In modern times, the American people have given new life to this grand public space in ways never imagined by past generations.
President Washington had a hand in the founding of the capital with a monument to himself at its heart.
Today the unformed expanse of the 60 acre Monument grounds shows little evidence of the ideas of the past.
Critics complained during construction that a giant obelisk was the wrong symbol for America, and alternatives were proposed.
The WAMO Competition gives us an opportunity to help shape the future with creative ideas.
What are your ideas to make the grounds more welcoming, educational, and effectively used by the public?
Earlier generations imagined a variety of designs for the Monument and its grounds.
Some looked for inspiration in European royal gardens, others in the natural ecology of the original Potomac River setting.
Can the Washington Monument grounds be made more welcoming, educational, and effectively used by the public?
The Stage 1 jury met on January 28th, 2011 and walked the Monument grounds. They deliberated and chose 24 semi-finalists.
The Stage 2 jury met on June 23rd, 2011 and chose 6 winners that demonstrated a broad range of ideas.
NGA_Venice
MoMA_Serra_Delineator
MoMA_Red_Studio_Flag_Jasper_Johns
Los_Angeles_Police_Historical_Society
DIA_Rockwell_Kids_Ichabod_Crane
Asian_Art_Museum_Shanghai
Jinwoo L
Stephen L
Catherine P.
Julian H
Jacques P.
May 17, 2012 People's Choice Winners Announced for National Ideas Competition for the Washington Monument Grounds
Click here to download the competition catalogue, which includes essays by members of the Steering Committee for the National Ideas Competition on various aspects of history and the Competition process.
This website is updated regularly. Please check back often.