Penn State's iconic Nittany Lion shrine will be closed for renovations after graduation ceremonies in May.
The university announced Tuesday that access to the shrine will be closed so construction can begin May 6.
The project will include new landscaping and improvements to access and lighting, including an accessible ramp, stairs and new sidewalks to connect with the sidewalks being constructed for a separate project on that end of campus.
The work is expected to be done by the first week of September.
School officials say the shrine, the most photographed spot on campus, will be accessible from Aug. 5 to Aug. 11 for summer graduation photos.
The statue of the school's mascot is a gift of the class of 1940. The class of 2012 voted to improve the shrine as its senior gift.
University trustees approved the project last November.
Officials hope the changes will make the site more accessible at times like graduation and football games, when lines to take pictures can be dozens of people deep.
The total cost of the project isn’t known.
