Golden Horses Revealed: Iconic DC Monuments Emerge from Months of Restoration

After months hidden behind towering scaffolding, the gilded Arts of War sculptures have emerged once again in full splendor along Washington, D.C.'s monumental corridor.

President Donald Trump shared photographs Thursday on Truth Social capturing workers carefully dismantling the protective structure surrounding the massive monument near the Lincoln Memorial. "Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!" Trump wrote alongside images of the gleaming golden horses and figures now fully visible to the public.

The restoration work has proven extensive. According to a 2018 study conducted by MTFA Design, the granite pedestals supporting the monuments had developed severe purple staining—caused by copper runoff from aging bronze sculptures below. Beyond the fresh gold leaf now adorning the bronze figures, crews undertook specialized cleaning and stabilization efforts to address the discoloration.

The National Park Service, which is overseeing the preservation project, temporarily closed surrounding lawn and turf areas beginning July 2 to protect both visitors and the historic monuments during construction. Those restrictions are currently scheduled to remain in effect through September 30, though the agency noted that areas will reopen as soon as the work no longer necessitates closures.

Sidewalks bordering the restoration site and those leading onto Memorial Bridge have remained accessible throughout the project, and no road closures have been required.

The Arts of War sculptures flank the eastern entrance to Arlington Memorial Bridge, while their companion Arts of Peace monuments sit along nearby Parkway Drive. Each features gilded bronze horses and human figures mounted atop imposing granite bases.

The timing of the unveiling appears deliberate. The restored sculptures were revealed with renewed gold finish just ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebration.

Work crews will continue rehabilitation efforts in the surrounding parkland while removing remaining construction equipment, though the most dramatic transformation—the gleaming return of the golden horses—has already captivated onlookers visiting the national mall.