Restoration of Iconic Statues Underway in Washington D.C.

President Donald Trump has released images highlighting the restoration efforts of The Arts of War and The Arts of Peace statues in Washington D.C. These images, shared on Truth Social, depict the regilded statues with scaffolding and workers involved in the project.

Trump commented on the progress, saying, “Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!” Since re-assuming office in January 2025, he has spearheaded several grand construction initiatives in the capital. Among these are significant renovations at the White House, the construction of a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch alongside the Potomac River, improvements to a historic public golf course in Washington D.C., and plans for a statue garden commemorating figures from American history.

In mid-April, the National Park Service granted a $5.1 million contract to a Maryland-based gilding studio. This contract covers the restoration of the four bronze horse statues, known as The Arts of War and The Arts of Peace, as reported by federal records. The restoration, which commenced in April, is expected to conclude by September.

The Arts of War were sculpted by the American artist Leo Friedlander. This Art Deco series includes the statues Valor and Sacrifice, which are positioned at the entrance of Arlington Memorial Bridge. Meanwhile, The Arts of Peace, created by American sculptor James Earle Fraser, comprises the Neoclassical statues Music and Harvest and Aspiration and Literature, located at the entrance to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.

This is a developing story. More updates will be provided as new information becomes available.