Photo by John Sonderman.

Since sustaining structural damage after the 2011 earthquake that shook the D.C. region (where were you during the great quake?), the Washington Monument has been mostly shrouded in scaffolding, closed to the public as it underwent lengthy repairs.

But in May, all the scaffolding will come off and it’ll be open to the public one again. Hopefully. The AP reports that the National Park Service is hoping to open the 555-foot obelisk in May, although an exact date hasn’t been determined yet.

The cost of repairs to fix the damage caused by the earthquake is estimated to be about $15 million, half of which is to be paid for by D.C. businessman David Rubenstein, while the other half will be allocated by Congress.

During the time that the Washington Monument was completely covered in scaffolding, the National Park Service laced the scaffolding in lights, offering a unique, picturesque illuminated view of the Monument. Never fear though, the U.S. Capitol Dome will get the same treatment soon.