Restored gold-clad Arts of War statues return to Lincoln Memorial Circle

The gilded Arts of War statues at Lincoln Memorial Circle are becoming visible once again as restoration work nears completion, with scaffolding beginning to come down around the monumental sculptures.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday (July 28) shared images on Truth Social showing a regilded statue surrounded by workers and scaffolding, writing: "Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!" The restoration is part of a broader series of construction and renovation projects ordered by Trump since returning to office in January 2025.

The Arts of War and companion Arts of Peace statue groups flank key approaches to the Lincoln Memorial. Designed by sculptors Leo Friedlander and James Earle Fraser, the bronze, fire-gilded monuments were commissioned in 1929, cast in 1950 and installed in 1951. The statues are among the most prominent sculptural features in Washington's ceremonial core and form part of the historic East and West Potomac Parks district.

Camera: Greg Savoy, Editing and writing: Jose Pablo Diaz/Reuters