Full-Sized Rocket To Be Projected Onto Washington Monument

WASHINGTON, DC — If you have a view of the east face of the Washington Monument, you're going to be treated to quite a show starting Tuesday night.

That's because the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is presenting a "once-in-a-lifetime" celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11's moon landing by projecting a full-sized, 363-foot Saturn V rocket onto the east face of the Washington Monument on the nights of July 16-18, the Smithsonian said in a statement. The projection will last from 9:30-11:30 p.m.

The fun doesn't end there. On Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, a special 17-minute show -- "Apollo 50: Go for the Moon" will "combine full-motion projection-mapping artwork on the monument and archival footage on screens to recreate the launch of Apollo 11 and tell the story of the first moon landing," the statement reads.

“Our identity as Americans is defined in part by the historic act of landing humans on the moon and returning them safely to the Earth,” said Ellen Stofan, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the museum, in the statement. “The Washington Monument is a symbol of our collective national achievements and what we can and will achieve in the future. It took 400,000 people from across the 50 states to make Apollo a reality. This program celebrates them, and we hope it inspires generations too young to have experienced Apollo firsthand to define their own moonshot.”

You can watch this show from the viewing areas on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle between 9th and 12th streets. There will be full sound and projection screens.

“Almost 50 years ago, the Apollo 11 mission captivated the world as two American astronauts were the first to step foot on the moon, forever changing space exploration,” said Interior Secretary David Bernhardt in the statement. “Through House Joint Resolution 60, Congress requested a one-time series of arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument to showcase this incredible achievement in our nation’s history, and we’re pleased to partner with the National Air and Space Museum so all can relive the moment.”