Regilded horse statues next to Lincoln Memorial unveiled
By: Michelle Del Rey (USA TODAY)
Xi Jinping won't even see these on his trip to Washington D.C. So what's the point?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
July 30, 2026 -- The Arts of War and the Arts of Peace statues just got a glow-up, President Donald Trump announced this week.
"Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!" the president posted on Truth Social on Monday, July 27, along with photos of the newly renovated statues with their updated golden coating.
Earlier this month, the National Park Service issued a notice to visitors stating that statue renovations would begin on July 2 at 6 a.m. and go through Sept. 30, 2026.
The agency issued a temporary closure and public use limit in certain designated parklands at the National Mall and Memorial Parks as part of the rehabilitation project.
The Park Service said the closure is necessary to maintain public health and safety, protect natural and cultural resources, and allow for unimpeded construction activity.
While the Park Service did not state a timeline for when the surrounding areas could be reopened to the public, it said closures will be lifted as soon as they are no longer necessary, the notice states.
What are the Arts of War and the Arts of Peace statues?
The Arts of War and the Arts of Peace statues are near the Lincoln Memorial. The statues of the Arts of War flank the east end of Arlington Memorial Bridge, close to the proposed spot of Trump's arch. Meanwhile, the statues of the Arts of Peace are at the terminus of Parkway Drive at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, according to the MTFA Design + Preservation architecture firm based in Washington, D.C.
The statues each have a gilded bronze casting of a horse and human figures above a monumental granite pedestal and base.
Why were the statues regilded?
According to the design firm, the statues had previously been covered with severe purple staining, which had been caused by the copper ions from the degraded bronze statues, likely stemming from chemical cleaners, poultices, laser cleaning and microabrasives.
A 2018 report from the firm analyzed the necessary work needed to restore the statues to their former glory.
While scaffolding continues to surround the statues, they're now glowing with their brand-new gold coatings.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com .
U.S. National Guard troops stand near the statue "Sacrifice", one of the "The Arts of War" equestrian statues flanking Arlington Memorial Bridge, which were recently regilded amidst ongoing construction projects in Washington, D.C., July 29, 2026. Evelyn Hockstein, REUTERS
"Sacrifice," one of the two statues that make up the "The Arts of War" equestrian statues along Arlington Memorial Bridge, is visible after the scaffolding was partially removed from around the two statues, in Washington, DC on July 29, 2026. KENT NISHIMURA, AFP Via Getty Images
"Sacrifice," one of the two statues that make up the "The Arts of War" equestrian statues along Arlington Memorial Bridge, is visible after the scaffolding was partially removed from around the two statues, in Washington, DC on July 29, 2026. KENT NISHIMURA, AFP Via Getty Images
The statue, "Sacrifice," one of the "The Arts of War" equestrian statues flanking Arlington Memorial Bridge, is one of four statues recently regilded amidst ongoing construction projects in Washington, D.C., July 29, 2026. Evelyn Hockstein, REUTERS
"Valor" (L) and "Sacrifice," the two statues that make up the "The Arts of War" equestrian statues along Arlington Memorial Bridge, are visible after the scaffolding was partially removed from around the two statues, in Washington, DC on July 29, 2026 KENT NISHIMURA, AFP Via Getty Images
"Valor" (L) and "Sacrifice," the two statues that make up the "The Arts of War" equestrian statues along Arlington Memorial Bridge, are visible after the scaffolding was partially removed from around the two statues, in Washington, DC on July 29, 2026. KENT NISHIMURA, AFP Via Getty Images
Be a good human. Grossly derogatory comments, blatantly inflammatory comments, excessive trolling, mean-spirited taunting and insults, scamming, spamming, and off topic comments may be removed in compliance with the site's Terms of Service and the Code of Conduct. The moderators have the final word.
Tags
Who is online
156 visitors
No doubt President Trump is paying for tackyfication of Washington D.C. with tariff revenue. We're suppose to praise Trump for spending our money.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Super. Is there anyone in the country who voted for Trump in the hope that he would do non-stop renovations in D.C.? I don't even remember him promising it, so I doubt anyone voted for this.
Didn't you hear? He's issuing a new executive order changing the name to Washington, D.T. (Donald Trump). (I bet if someone suggested it to him he actually would.)
To tell you the truth they look out of place. Maybe he should move them into the new ballroom.
To be honest they look somewhat gaudy...had a look at the old photos of the statues..much prefer those..
Gee I wonder where Trumpet got the idea from...
Russian statues at St Petersburg..