Veterans of the second world war are escorted at the National World War II Memorial in Washington on Sept. 2, 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. The memorial closed to the public Friday for renovations and is not expected to re-open until mid-May. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — The National World War II Memorial, in Washington, D.C., — which draws millions of visitors annually — will be closed for the next five months to allow for a $3.7 million renovation project to update lighting and other aging infrastructure, officials said.
Work includes installing new lights at the large fountain and pillars to restore nighttime visibility of the site.
The National Park Service made the announcement Thursday, stating that the grounds will be closed to visitors during the construction period.
The memorial is expected to re-open in mid-May.
An estimated 5 million people visit the memorial each year.
“We know how disappointing this will be for many people, especially veterans, families, and visitors who have planned meaningful trips to stand in this sacred place of remembrance,” said Holly Rotondi, the executive director of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, a non-profit organization that supports the memorial.
“We share that disappointment, and we’re truly sorry for the impact this will have on planned visits,” Rotondi said in an email.
But the renovations are needed for public safety and to improve the overall visitor experience, Rotondi said.
Work will include extensive electrical and mechanical upgrades, according to the park service.
The National World War II Memorial closed to the public Friday for renovations and is not expected to re-open until mid-May. Lighting will be replaced at the fountain and pillars to restore nighttime visibility of the site. The memorial fountain is shown on May 8, 2025, during a celebration of Victory in Europe Day. (3d U.S. Infantry Regiment/U.S. Army)
The updates follow President Donald Trump’s executive order in March, titled “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful.”
The executive order directed an investment for restoring and beautifying memorials, statues and other public spaces in Washington.
“All work will be carried out in accordance with federal standards for historic preservation to ensure protection of the memorial’s historic fabric,” according to a statement from the National Park Service.
Fencing and construction barriers are being installed temporarily at the site, which may affect pedestrian routes, the park service said.
