Four Horse Statues Near Lincoln Memorial Receive Gold Coating

Four giant horse statues situated near the Lincoln Memorial are currently undergoing a restoration project that involves applying a 24-karat gold-leaf finish to the figures [1][2]. The initiative, which has been described as a "glowup" for the statues, is reportedly associated with a $5 million contract [1].

Key takeaways

• The restoration project focuses on four large horse statues located in the vicinity of the Lincoln Memorial [1].
• The statues are being finished with 24-karat gold leaf [2].
• The project is tied to a reported $5 million contract [1].

Restoration of the Memorial Statues

The project involves the application of gold leaf to the four prominent horse statues, a process that has drawn attention for its scale and material choice [1]. While the statues are receiving a 24-karat gold-leaf coating, the specific details regarding the procurement process for the $5 million contract remain a subject of discussion [1][2]. The restoration is intended to provide a new aesthetic appearance to the statues, which are situated in a high-profile location near the Lincoln Memorial [1].

Why it matters

The project represents a significant investment in the maintenance and visual modification of public monuments near one of the nation's most visited sites. As the work continues, the use of 24-karat gold leaf on these large-scale figures highlights a specific approach to the preservation and aesthetic enhancement of federal statues. Future updates are expected to track the completion of the gold-leaf application and the final presentation of the statues to the public.