Iconic DC statues get golden makeover in latest Trump project

WASHINGTON —

Two iconic Washington, D.C., statues have received golden makeovers.

The Arts of War and Arts of Peace statues have been regilded, seen for the first time this week after months of renovation work.

Scaffolding came down earlier this week, revealing new gold finishes. Some areas around the statues have been closed to visitors for weeks while work was underway.

The Arts of War and Arts of Peace are gilded bronze equestrian sculptures flanking the entrances to Arlington Memorial Bridge near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

Commissioned in 1929 and installed in 1951, the statues symbolize the nation’s military strength through the Arts of War and its cultural and agricultural achievements through the Arts of Peace.

The National Park Service hired Maryland-based Gilders’ Studio in April to restore the statues under a $5.1 million contract, according to federal records.

President Donald Trump has attempted to beautify parts of Washington, D.C., during his second presidency, with the regilding being the latest project directed by Trump.