Plizio Visual Lab
Washington Monument
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Washington Monument is a towering, hollow Egyptian-style obelisk positioned prominently on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States. Designed by distinguished architect Robert Mills, the massive structure is constructed entirely of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss. Construction commenced in 1848 but was abruptly halted from 1854 to 1877 due to a severe lack of funds and the outbreak of the American Civil War; this extended delay is clearly visible as a distinct change in the shading of the marble roughly one-third of the way up. Standing exactly 555 feet and 5-1/8 inches tall, it was the tallest structure in the world upon its completion in 1884. Geography K6 — monumental national architecture.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: National Museum of Natural History · National Museum of African American History and Culture · Art Museum of the Americas
- Nearby: Montross (31 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 14 | 8 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 70 | 84 | 92 | 109 | 118 | 116 | 109 | 107 | 105 | 80 | 95 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The obelisk is always visible from the outside, but climbing inside requires a timed ticket. Access to the top is via an elevator.
Typical hours
The Washington Monument is typically open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 4:00 pm. Tickets must be reserved online in advance as they often sell out.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the monument without flash. From the observation deck you can take spectacular shots of Washington D.C.
Time needed
The climb including the observation deck takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Allow extra time for the security screening at the entrance.
Combine with
Combine the visit with other monuments on the National Mall, such as the Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial. The nearby Smithsonian National Museum of American History is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The monument is located on the National Mall between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The nearest Metro station is Smithsonian on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
Insider tip
Book your ticket well in advance online, ideally 30 days ahead. On sunny days, early morning hours are best for clear views from the top.
Geography
Facts
- The monumental obelisk stands precisely 555 feet and 5-1/8 inches tall.
- Construction began in 1848 but paused for 23 years due to funding issues.
- The clear change in marble color at the 152-foot mark indicates the long pause.
- It was briefly the tallest structure in the world until the Eiffel Tower opened in 1889.
- The structure is composed of approximately 36,000 individual blocks of stone.
- A heavy aluminum apex serves as the absolute peak of the massive monument.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Washington Monument (13)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach the observation deck?
You must reserve tickets for the elevator in advance.
Are tickets needed for the monument?
Yes, tickets are required for ascent and sell out quickly.
When is the Washington Monument open?
Usually daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is there a minimum age?
No, there is no minimum age, but children need supervision.
Is it open in bad weather?
It remains closed for safety reasons during high winds or storms.
Washington Monument: where is it located?
Washington Monument is located in United States.
Washington Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Art Museum of the Americas.
Washington Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Washington Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Washington Monument is a towering, hollow Egyptian-style obelisk positioned prominently on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in United States →
Nearby cities
Washington, D.C.
The capital of the United States, home to iconic monuments and federal buildings.
Montross
A historic town in Virginia's Northern Neck, rich in colonial heritage and natural beauty.
Harrisburg
The capital of Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River.
Warsaw
A historic small town in Virginia's Northern Neck, rich in colonial heritage and riverside charm.
Compton
An idyllic community in St.
Baltimore
A historic seaport city in Maryland with a rich maritime history.
Croaker
A gateway to Virginia's York River State Park, famous for its prehistoric fossil discoveries.
Edgewater
A picturesque residential community along the South River in Maryland, near the historic city of Annapolis.
Kinsale
A historic village on the Yeocomico River in Virginia, often described as 'the most picturesque village on the Tidewater'.
Richmond, VA
The capital of Virginia, a city with a central role in Civil War history.
Chesapeake Beach
A historic resort town on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, famous for its railway history and prehistoric shark tooth hunting.
Mayo
A quiet coastal community in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, ideal for water sports and nature watching.
Arnold
A scenic suburb of Annapolis, Maryland, situated between the Severn and Magothy Rivers.
Annapolis
The capital of Maryland, home to the United States Naval Academy.
Calvert Beach
A hidden gem on the Chesapeake Bay, famous for its fossil hunting and dramatic cliffside scenery.
History & landmarks
White House
The official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
Lincoln Memorial
An American national memorial built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
United States Capitol
The meeting place of the United States Congress, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
More places
Gettysburg Battlefield
The site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War in July 1863.
Jamestown Settlement
The first permanent English colony in North America, founded in 1607.
Fort McHenry
A historical coastal fort whose defense in the War of 1812 inspired 'The Star-Spangled Banner' poem.
Colonial Williamsburg
A living-history museum that recreates part of the city of Williamsburg from the American Revolution era.
Hersheypark
A theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, based on the famous chocolate products.
Yorktown Battlefield
The site of the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781.
Harpers Ferry
A historic town known for John Brown's raid on the armory in 1859.