Crews have begun removing scaffolding around the Arts of War sculptures near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., revealing the newly regilded golden horses after months of restoration work. President Donald Trump shared images of the process on his Truth Social account.
"Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!" Trump wrote in a post accompanying photographs of workers dismantling the structure. Exclusive video captured the final sections of scaffolding being removed from the monumental sculptures.
The Arts of War sculptures, which feature gilded bronze horses and human figures atop granite pedestals, are located near the eastern entrance to Arlington Memorial Bridge, west of the Lincoln Memorial. Their companion pieces, the Arts of Peace sculptures, are situated nearby along Parkway Drive.
The restoration is part of a National Park Service preservation project. A 2018 study indicated that the granite pedestals had developed extensive purple staining from copper runoff originating from the aging bronze sculptures. This prompted specialized cleaning and stabilization work, in addition to the regilding.
To protect visitors and workers, the National Park Service temporarily closed surrounding lawn and turf areas beginning July 2. These restrictions are scheduled to remain in place through September 30, though some areas may reopen sooner if work allows. Sidewalks bordering the restoration site and those leading onto Memorial Bridge remain accessible, and no road closures have been required. Parkland surrounding the monuments will continue to have partial restrictions as crews finish the broader rehabilitation project and remove remaining construction equipment.
The renewed gold finish on the sculptures comes as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.