Washington, D.C.'s iconic Arts of War and Arts of Peace sculptures near the Lincoln Memorial are entering a new chapter through a careful conservation and regilding project. The four bronze figures, first unveiled in 1951, have been restored under a $5.1 million effort led by the U.S. Department of the Interior and a Maryland-based studio.
The first phase has already revealed the refreshed look of the Arts of War pair, designed by Leo Friedlander. At 19 feet tall, the horse-and-rider statues now carry a striking layer of 23.75-karat gold leaf, giving the historic works a brighter, more luminous presence while preserving their original form.
The second pair, known as Arts of Peace, includes Aspiration and Literature and Music and Harvest, created by James Earle Fraser. Their restoration is expected to be completed by the end of September, continuing the broader effort to protect and renew one of the capital's most recognizable public art ensembles.
This project reflects how heritage conservation can merge craftsmanship, cultural memory, and modern preservation methods, helping historic monuments remain visually relevant for future generations.
