Statement on Approval of Monumental Arch Concept
Today the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) voted to approve overall building plans for a proposed Monumental Arch to be constructed at Washington D.C.’s Memorial Circle, while also deferring their review of certain decorative sculptural elements to a future meeting. In response, the National Trust for Historic Preservation released the following statement:
“It was disappointing that the Commission of Fine Arts voted today to approve plans for a new Monumental Arch to be constructed at Memorial Circle.
This approval disregards the hundreds of public comments opposing the Arch and fails to adequately fulfill CFA’s responsibility under the Commemorative Works Act to ensure that proposed projects don’t interfere with existing commemorative works, while safeguarding open space and cultural and natural resources.
As stated in our verbal testimony before the Commission today and in written comments submitted beforehand, the National Trust is concerned that the location, height, scale, and design of the proposed Monumental Arch will interfere with commemorative works like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, while also failing to protect some of the most symbolic landscape vistas in our nation’s capital.
As this project moves forward, we urge the National Park Service to initiate consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. We urge the National Capital Planning Commission to participate in a comprehensive review of this unfortunate design and consider alternatives that complement rather than detract from nearby historic landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Finally, we remind all parties that Congressional approval of the Monumental Arch is required under the Commemorative Works Act.”
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About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a
privately-funded nonprofit organization dedicated
to helping communities maintain and enhance the
power of historic places. Chartered by Congress in
1949 and supported by partners, friends, and
champions nationwide, we help preserve the places
and stories that make communities unique. Through
the stewardship and revitalization of historic
sites, we help communities foster economic growth,
create healthier environments, and build a
stronger, shared sense of civic duty and belonging.
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