World War II Memorial - Targetti
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World War II Memorial, Washington, DC

We’re honored to have played a part in shaping the nighttime identity of the World War II Memorial; illuminating this historic monument for more than two decades.

Targetti has had the opportunity to bring a new generation of luminance to the memorial. Its most compelling story is the continuity of commitment: renewing the lighting technology while working within the original design and installation requirements.

Lighting Design: IMEG | HLB

Sales Representatives: Alliance Lighting

Photography by: ©Modern Day Motion

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ORIGINAL DESIGN: 2004

ORIGINAL DESIGN | ARCHIVAL REFERENCE

First opened in 2004, the site was originally designed by HLB and illuminated with the iconic Targetti ICARE luminaires. Located on 7.4 acres on the National Mall’s central axis, the lighting of the WWII Memorial strived to echo the Memorial’s physical manifestation of the sentiment, “Darkness of global conflict and a light of freedom” as represented in the Freedom Wall. Lighting is the element that transformation of the Memorial from day to night.

– Photo by: Brett Drury, via HLB.

The original installation from 2004 featured Targetti’s ICARE incandescent exterior inground fixture that reliably illuminated the memorial for more than 20 years.

 

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Renewal became necessary as the infrastructure aged and lighting technology improved. A $3.7 million contract covered a broad scope to refresh this national treasure. The National Park Service’s 2026 rehabilitation program included replacing exterior inground lights.
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More than two decades later, the legacy continues. The site has recently been retrofitted in 2026 with over 100 Targetti KEPLERO GIMBAL HP ingrade luminaires.

The existing installation parameters became a starting point for Targetti to create an engineered retrofit fixture solution tailored specific to the original installation requirements. The KEPLERO GIMBAL HP family was identified as a clear solution to replace the existing ICARE luminaires that were still operational. This solution included increased adjustable aiming with precise beam distributions in multiple optics, giving designers additional tools to direct light toward specific architectural surfaces. Each pillar represents one of the 50 individual US states, districts, and territories.

KEPLERO GIMBAL HP
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Featuring a modified trim ring engineered to integrate seamlessly with the existing installation sleeves—an approach developed with IMEG to preserve the integrity of the original installation while bringing new optical performance to the site.

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Welcoming nearly four million visitors annually, the World War II Memorial offers a place for remembrance both day and night.

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The uplighting illuminates the granite walls lining the 148ft ceremonial wall creates a visual rhythm while enhancing the legibility of the carved text.
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ORIGINAL DEISGN: 2004
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AFTER: 2026 Renovation

COMPOSITION: BEFORE & AFTER

The renovated 2026 view reveals vertical light on the granite, bronze wreaths with pronounced shadows and textures. The state name with bronze detail remains a focal point repeating across the pillars, showing inscriptions and relief panels brought to light the nighttime composition.

 

22 years of ongoing illumination. One enduring commitment to honoring the fallen.

PRODUCTS USED:

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