The Washington Monument is Reopened on the National Mall (9 images)

The Washington Monument is seen as it is reopened after nearly three years of repairs and renovations following the 2011 earthquake, in Washington, D.C, May 12, 2014. The Monument was closed following damages from the unusual 5.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the D.C. region. Cost to repair the monument were apoximatly $15 million, half of which was donated by philanthropist David Rubenstein. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

Tourist visit the Washington Monument as it is reopened after nearly three years of repairs and renovations following the 2011 earthquake, in Washington, D.C, May 12, 2014. The Monument was closed following damages from the unusual 5.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the D.C. region. Cost to repair the monument were apoximatly $15 million, half of which was donated by philanthropist David Rubenstein. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

David Rubenstein (L), walks past the Washington Monument on its reopening day after being closed for nearly three years for repairs following the 2011 earthquake, in Washington, D.C, May 12, 2014. Rubenstein donated half of the $15 million needed to repair the monument following the 2011 5.8 magnitude earthquake that damaged it. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

A man takes a pictures as he visits the base of the Washington Monument on its reopening day after being closed for nearly three years for repairs following the 2011 earthquake, in Washington, D.C, May 12, 2014. The Monument was closed following damages from the unusual 5.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the D.C. region. Cost to repair the monument were approximately $15 million, half of which was donated by philanthropist David Rubenstein. UPI/Kevin Dietsch