The Washington Monument is once again accessible after three years of repairs

Washington – The monumental Washington Obelisk, the landmark of the U.S. capital and a memorial to President George Washington, has been reopened to the public after three years. First Lady Melania Trump cut the ceremonial ribbon on Thursday. The structure dominating the metropolis has received a new elevator and improved security measures.

The memorial was only occasionally accessible even before its closure in September 2016. In August 2011, an earthquake that affected the eastern U.S. revealed cracks near the top of the monument. After repairs, it reopened in 2014, but after two years and repeated elevator malfunctions, it was again closed to tourists.

The monument has stood in the middle of Washington since 1884, is exactly 555 feet tall (nearly 170 meters), and attracts around half a million visitors each year.