white house virtual tour video

Arts & Culture

Explore the White House with Google Arts & Culture

Oct 27, 2023

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It’s National Civics Day, and we’re taking a unique tour inside one of the most famous American structures of all: the White House.

“ Welcome to the White House ” is the first virtual guided tour of the White House’s official tour route complete with accessible audio captions and Spanish translations, so that Americans everywhere can “visit” the People’s House. The tour was captured using Street View that lives on both Google Maps and Google Arts & Culture — and the tour is now open to anyone with an internet connection, not only those who can visit in-person.

Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t always called “the White House.” Throughout the 1800s different names were tried — the "President's Palace," the "President's House" or the "Executive Mansion” — but it was Theodore Roosevelt who gave the White House its simple and direct name in 1901, and it stuck.

In this tour, you're invited to explore 11 unique rooms in the White House, from the Blue Room (where the only White House wedding in history took place), to the Library with an American landscape by Georgia O’Keeffe, to the East Room, where Abraham Lincoln first promoted Ulysses S. Grant.

So take the tour, today , and we hope this slice of living history inspires you this National Civics Day to learn more about our country’s history.

A color photograph of the White House’s front view. It is still day time, the sky is slightly gray. The water flows out of the fountain and into a pool of turquoise water. The fountain is surrounded by a garden of yellow tulips. Green bushes surround the front lawn of the White House, and to the side, there are green trees.

“White House Front View” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

A color photograph of the White House’s front view. It is day time and the sky is blue. The water flows out of the fountain in the front, in this image, found on the left. Green bushes surround the front lawn of the White House, and to the side, there are green trees. Across from the bushes are a large garden of red flowers.

“White House Front View'' by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

A street view capture of the Red Room in the White House. The walls are red as are the chairs. The are 5 red charis with brown wooden legs, accompanied by a red couch, 3 brown tables. There are 2 windows , each one adorned by red and gold curtains. There is a chandelier that’s on. The walls are adorned by portraits in gold frames.

“Red Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

A street view capture of the movie theater located in the White House. The walls of the room are adorned by red and gold panels. There are several rows of seats, all of which are red. The four in the front row are still different, but distinct from the rest through their quilted red upholstering. Each one has a navy blue covering over the head of the seat.

“Movie Theater” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

A street view capture of the library located in the White House. On the floor is a rug with a burgundy and navy blue pattern. In the middle is a brown table and across are 2 red chairs with brown legs. In the middle of the table, there is a white floral arrangement. Shelves of books adorn the wall, and seating is found all around the room.

“The Library” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

The green room in the white house, the walls are green with paintings on them and a chandelier hangs from the middle of the room. Period piece furniture is throughout.

“Green Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

The blue room in the White House. Blue carpet and blue drapes are in a room with paintings on the wall and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

“Blue Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

a larger stately room two fireplaces and multiple paintings, including Gilbert Stuart's 1797 portrait of President George Washington and John Singer Sargent's 1903 portrait of President Theodore Roosevelt.

“The East Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

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Tour the White House in 360-Degree Virtual Reality

By David Foxley

Today marks the launch of The People’s House: Inside the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama, the first-ever Facebook 360 project filmed inside the world’s most famous home. The piece, produced by Emmy-winning cinematic virtual reality creators Félix & Paul Studios alongside the Oculus team at Facebook, takes viewers to nine famous areas within the iconic building—from sitting with the President in the Oval Office to walking around the Situation Room to stopping into the Old Family Dining Room with Mrs. Obama.

“Michelle and I always joke, ‘We’re just renters here. ’ . . . The owners are the American people and all those invested in creating this amazing place with so much history,” President Obama says in the VR experience. “What we wanted to do is make sure that everybody felt they had access to the White House, . . . that as many people as possible could come in and appreciate the place where Lincoln, FDR, or Reagan made the decisions that helped to shape America.”

Take the Facebook 360 video tour of the White House here.

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Take a 360-Degree Virtual Tour of the White House

The tour includes rarely seen rooms like the Situation Room and Treaty Room.

The south facade of The White House is seen in this undated file photo.

 -- More than 50 years ago, first lady Jacqueline Kennedy introduced millions of Americans to the White House in a televised tour.

Now, the Obamas are offering a new way to see the People's House -- in virtual reality.

In this virtual experience, viewers can explore the White House and West Wing in 360 degrees. The tour, narrated by President Obama, also allows entry into the rooms that are rarely seen, such as the Situation Room and the Treaty Room, which is Obama's private office.

Throughout the tour, you'll be able to listen to the president and first lady Michelle Obama personally reflect on their time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Last year, the president made his virtual reality debut in a video filmed on his trip to Yosemite National Park.

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The White House and Google launch a new virtual tour with audio captions, Spanish translation

The White House with the help of Google Arts & Culture has launched a new virtual tour of the White House. It is the first such Google tour to include audio captions and Spanish translation and features portraits of the Obamas. (Oct. 28)

First Lady Jill Biden attends an event to celebrate National Civics Day with the launch of Well Versed, an animated musical series that aims to help teach kids about democracy and the U.S. Bill of Rights Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Jessicas Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

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Matthew Segal, Co-Founder of Attn:, and First Lady Jill Biden join Philadelphia School District Students during an event to celebrate National Civics Day with the launch of Well Versed, an animated musical series that aims to help teach kids about democracy and the U.S. Bill of Rights Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Jessicas Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Can’t come to Washington? Couldn’t get a ticket to tour the White House? Don’t worry.

The White House, Google Maps and Google Arts & Culture launched a new virtual tour of the famous mansion on Friday, which is also National Civics Day.

With a computer or smartphone, users will be able to spend time zooming in on all of the rooms that they would have seen had they been able to go on an in-person tour.

The updated virtual tour is part of a desire by first lady Jill Biden to make the White House accessible to as many people as possible. Biden, a longtime community college professor, hopes teachers use it to educate students about the White House and its history, said Elizabeth Alexander, her spokesperson.

“Not everyone can make the trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the White House, so she’s bringing the White House to them,” Alexander said.

Biden traveled to Philadelphia on Friday for a National Civics Day event hosted by Nickelodeon, ATTN: and iCivics, where they announced “Well Versed,” a new short-form series that uses animation and music to help teach children about democracy and the Bill of Rights.

She talked about the Constitutional Convention held at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1787, where the founders of the United States created a government in which power rested with the people, not with kings and queens.

“That’s still how our country works, and it’s one of the things that make it so special,” Biden said. “And when we understand civics, how our government works and how to hold it accountable, we are able to help each other and make our country the best it can be.”

The virtual tour is the first Google virtual tour of the White House to include audio captions for people with disabilities. The captions are narrated by White House social secretary Carlos Elizondo and pop up on the screen to offer viewers historical information on each of the rooms.

It is also Google’s first virtual tour of the White House to have Spanish translation, and feature the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

The tour opens with a brief video of President Joe Biden and the first lady welcoming visitors, the same message that plays at the White House Visitors Center for those who visit in person.

Google Street View technology was used to capture the imagery, starting at the East Wing Entrance and moving through all rooms on the public tour route, including the library, the China Room, the Green, Blue and Red rooms, the East Room and the State Dining Room.

The tour was created using Google Arts & Culture’s storytelling tool.

Ben Gomes, senior vice president of learning and sustainability at Google, said the mission of its arts and culture division is to open the world’s culture to people everywhere.

The tour is available on the White House website, as well as on Google Maps and the Google Arts & Culture page.

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Take a Virtual Tour of the White House While You're Stuck at Home

It's time for a trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Take a trip to our nation's capital without tearing yourself away from your couch.

While a trip to the White House is certainly a unique experience in person, a virtual tour can be just as incredible. Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can enjoy a walk through the most famous residence in the U.S. online.

Google Arts & Culture is a treasure trove of art, history, and cultural tours that are not only useful for people who are social distancing due to the coronavirus outbreak, but they're also interesting at any time. This site allows you to view some of the world's most famous artworks by taking virtual tours of hundreds of museums . Enjoy a nature walk in a national park . Or, you can even take a royal tour of some of the most historic castles in the world.

The White House is a particularly unique tour because it is actually the only " private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge," according to Google Arts & Culture.

The Executive office building tour , which is accessible via Street View, shows you many rooms in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building beyond the Oval Office, including the Vice President's Ceremonial Office, the Secretary of War suite, and the library. You can also view the historical artwork (including official portraits of the former heads of state, pottery, and sculptures on display) in the White House and see its unique decor. On top of this being a visually-stimulating tour, it also offers history and interesting facts about everything you can see.

Street View makes it possible to explore the interiors and exteriors of the White House as well. Once you're done perusing the historic offices, you can find how it feels to virtually be standing on the White House lawn.

For more information or to take a tour yourself, visit the Google Arts & Culture website.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Visit The White House

The President and Dr. Biden are delighted to welcome members of the public to tour the White House. Public tour requests are scheduled through your Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. Constituents may reach your Member of Congress and Congressional Tour Coordinator through the U.S. House of Representatives Switchboard at 202-225-3121, the U.S. Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121, or online at www.congress.gov/members .

Consistent with prior practices, public White House tour requests must be submitted a minimum of 21 days in advance and no more than 90 days in advance of the requested tour date(s). Reservations cannot be accepted for tour dates outside this 21 – 90-day window.

Public tours are typically available from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. If your tour is confirmed, please note that you will be assigned a specific time. All White House tours are free of charge. The White House tour schedule is subject to change, with little notice, based on inclement weather or official use.

If you are a citizen of a foreign country, please contact your embassy in Washington, D.C. for assistance in submitting a tour request.

Identification Requirements

All U.S. citizens ages 18 and older, and foreign nationals of all ages (including children), must present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon arrival for their tour. Acceptable forms of identification are below.

U.S. CITIZENS

United States Driver’s License
Valid United States Passport
United States Military ID

FOREIGN NATIONALS

Valid Passport
Alien Registration Card
Permanent Resident Card
U.S. State Department Issued Diplomatic ID Card

A U.S. driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification for foreign nationals. No foreign-issued state IDs, foreign-issued driver’s licenses, expired passports, photocopies, other transmissions of these documents, or other forms of identification will be accepted. Individuals without acceptable identification, or whose identification does not exactly match the information previously registered, may be denied entry.

Prohibited Items

Bags of any kind (including fanny packs and clutches)
Cameras with detachable lenses
Electric stun guns
E-cigarettes
Knives of any kind
Martial arts
Tobacco Products
Toy Weapons
Video cameras
Weapons/devices
Any pointed object
Any other item determined to be a potential safety hazard

Please note that storage facilities are not provided during your visit. Individuals who arrive with bags or prohibited items will not be permitted to enter the White House.

Permitted Items

Baby carriers worn on the body
Breast pumps
Cell phones
Compact cameras with lenses less than 3 inches
Umbrellas without metal tips
All items needed for medical purposes (i.e. wheelchairs, EpiPens, medication, etc.)

Getting Here

Use of public transportation is strongly encouraged, as there is no parking available on the White House complex and street parking is limited. The closest Metrorail stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines), Metro Center (blue, orange, silver, and red lines), and McPherson Square (blue, orange, and silver lines).

The White House Tour entrance is located in Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW. If arriving by rideshare, use the White House Visitor Center (WHVC) as the drop-off address. The WHVC is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20230, which is one block from the White House.

Restrooms are located at the White House Visitors Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20230. There are no restrooms available once you arrive for your tour.

Accessibility

The White House tour route is wheelchair accessible. Visitors who wish to use a White House wheelchair should notify a U.S. Secret Service officer upon arrival.

Guide animals are permitted in the White House.

Health and Safety Guidance

Guests who receive a confirmed tour reservation will be issued a White House Tour Pass ahead of their tour date containing pertinent health and safety guidance.

Know Before You Go

Tours are self-guided and last approximately 45 minutes
Eat a snack and stay hydrated prior to arrival.
Dress for the weather, knowing you will be outside before your tour.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
No late arrivals are accepted.
All guests must be previously registered via the RSVP link provided by the White House.
Please silence your cell phone and refrain from phone calls during the tour.
No flash photography or video recording is permitted during your tour.
Visitors may call the 24-hour Visitors Office information line at 202-456-7041 for latest updates and information relevant to White House tours.

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Tour the White House in 360 Degrees

Welcome to the White House 360 Virtual Tour! This immersive experience will bring you inside the halls of the White House and provide access to all the public rooms on the Ground and State Floors. It will also allow you to examine the rooms and objects even closer than you would in person.

For Students and Teachers

The below digital notebook was created by the White House Historical Association to assist students and teachers using “The White House 360 Virtual Tour” in their classrooms. Even if students are learning in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format, these materials are accessible and will accompany them on their journey through these tours. The materials feature vocabulary, reflection questions, and other activities to encourage students to deepen understandings and create meaning in their exploration of the "People's House."

The White House

Come and explore the inside residence halls of The United States President and even walk around The Oval office.

#SeeInside #OnGoogleMaps #360 #VirtualTour

CONTACT THE 360 VIRTUAL TOUR EXPERTS

Phone: +44 7736282698

Email: [email protected]

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the White House in Washington, D.C. [Includes Virtual Tour]

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the White House in Washington, D.C. [Includes Virtual Tour]

History of the white house, getting to the white house, how to schedule a tour of the white house, the white house experience mobile app (virtual tour), white house garden tour, the white house easter egg roll, white house visitor center, president ’s park, best place to take pictures of the white house, 20 facts about the white house, hotels near the white house, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

As the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, the White House is one of the most easily recognizable and iconic buildings in the world. Home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800, the White House is a historically and culturally important building that attracts millions of visitors all year round.

The site for the White House was selected by George Washington back in 1791, with the cornerstone laid by Irish-born architect James Hoban 1 year later. The extensive and ambitious build took 8 years to complete, and although it was Washington that commissioned it, he sadly died before it was completed.

Originally known as the President’s House, it was the second President of the United States, President John Adams, and his wife that were the first to take up residence there . However, much of the original building was destroyed by a fire set by rampaging Brits in 1814. The newly built house was completed some 4 years later, and it has been called home by a succession of presidents and their families ever since.

During the early 20th century, various additions were made to the building, including the iconic West Wing that houses the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, the Situation Room, and the Roosevelt Room, among others. During the Great Depression, the White House suffered neglect as a result of dwindling funding, and urgent renovations were needed during the 1940s.

Now one of the most well-cared for and loved buildings in America, the White House as we know it today is home to 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in residence , as well as 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. Anyone visiting the capital city of Washington, D.C., should definitely try to pay a visit.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is probably one of the most famous addresses in the world. Taking a trip to visit the sprawling presidential home and offices is easy using almost any route.

There is a Metrobus stop located on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, which is the closest stop to the White House Visitor Center. Pennsylvania Avenue Line numbers 30, 32, 34, 35, and 36 all stop there.

Union Station is around 1.5 miles away from the Visitor Center. Heading northeast along Massachusetts Avenue, you can take in the city as you walk there, or hop on the shuttle bus that leaves from outside the station every 10 minutes.

The Blue, Silver, and Orange lines stop at Farragut West, McPherson Square, or Metro Center stations, all of which are within easy walking distance of the Visitor Center.

There are several parking lots that are located close to the White House Visitor Center, but spaces can be difficult to find and expensive. Downtown D.C. is also rated as one of the worst cities for traffic in the U.S. , so it may be quicker to walk or use public transport than try to undertake the journey by car.

The White House is one of the most popular landmark attractions in the world. Every year, demand for tours outstrips the available places, so before your head off, make sure you know the best ways to maximize your chances of getting a tour inside the world-famous White House.

Planning Your Visit

In order to visit the rooms that are available for public inspection at the White House, you will need to book a tour in advance . Tours are free of charge and self-guided , but you must request permission to visit at least 3 weeks in advance of your arrival in order to receive clearance from the U.S. Secret Service.

You can request tours up to 3 months in advance via your member of Congress , but there is no guarantee that your request will be accepted.

The self-guided tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, but these timings can be subject to change depending on the White House schedules and events. Tours can also be canceled without prior notice, so be prepared.

Tours run in groups of 10 , and you will be placed in a group with other visitors before arrival if there are not enough in your own party. You will need to submit information about every member of your party, including their address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, and country of citizenship.

You will need to show your ID upon arrival, and your ID must exactly match all of the information you submitted in your application . A valid U.S. government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID, is acceptable for U.S. nationals, as are valid U.S. passports.

Overseas Nationals

If you are planning on visiting the White House from overseas, you will need to contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, D.C. to submit a tour request before your departure. Foreign nationals must present their passport — no other forms of foreign ID will be considered as acceptable.

Disabilities

If you or anyone in your group is hearing, visually, or mobility impaired, their needs can usually be catered for through your member of Congress, or via your embassy. There is also a TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) at the Visitor Center, which can be contacted at 202-456-2121. Guide animals are permitted in the White House.

If you need the use of a wheelchair during your visit, you can request the loan of a wheelchair at the Visitor Entrance upon arrival. Unfortunately, reservations are not possible , but if you are able to secure one, there is a ramp to allow access to the entrance on the ground floor, and an elevator to take you from the ground floor to the State floor.

Hot Tip: While no tour company can get you access to the White House, you can take the popular hop-on, hop-off tour of Washington, D.C . on the red loop which takes in the White House, U.S. Capitol, and many more landmarks.

On the Day of Your Tour

If you are successful in your application to book a tour of the White House, there are further instructions and guidelines to consider on the day.

Firstly, you should plan to get to President’s Park 15-30 minutes before your tour is due to start . This will allow plenty of time for presenting your ID to officers, taking toilet breaks, and ensuring that you don’t have prohibited items in your bag. Better still, if you arrive an hour or so before your allocated tour time, you can take in the exhibits and watch a video of the White House at the Visitor Center.

You will enter the White House by the south side of East Executive Avenue near the Southeast Gate , where National Park Service rangers will be on hand to assist you.

As you would expect, security is tight in and around the White House. Visitors must adhere to strict rules about what they can and can’t take with them during the tour.

Prohibited items include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Video cameras and cameras with detachable lenses
Tablets and iPads
Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and camera sticks
Any bags, including handbags, purses, book bags, backpacks, diaper bags, and camera bags
Any pointed object or sharp objects
Food and liquids
Aerosols and personal grooming items such as makeup or lotion
Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, and mace
Martial arts weapons or toy weapons

You should also note that there are no storage facilities at the White House , so if you accidentally bring prohibited items with you, there is nowhere to leave them, and you will be denied entry to the tour. Leave everything on the above list back at home or in your hotel room.

There are certain items that you can take with you on your tour, but they may be subject to usage limitations. These include:

Compact cameras (can be used for still photography only, no video recording or streaming, and all lenses must be less than 3 inches long)
Umbrellas without metal tips
Cell phones (remember, though, that talking or texting is not allowed, and phones must be on silent)
All items needed for medical purposes will be permitted, including wheelchairs, electronic scooters, glucose tablets, EpiPens, medication, etc.)

Hot Tip: Before and during the tour, you are at the mercy of government officers. In some circumstances, the U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items that you may be carrying.

In these tech-friendly times, smartphone users will be delighted to know that there is a White House Experience Mobile App that you can download to enhance your experience during your visit.

Available on both iOS and Android , this is a useful tool for visitors who have not been successful in finding a place on an official tour, as well as those who have. Users can enjoy a virtual tour of the White House and the surrounding President’s Neighborhood, as well as taking a tour through the history of the White House and how its customs have evolved.

There are also a number of fun features to raise a smile. Snap a selfie with the Presidential Lookalike feature, or take the opportunity to virtually pilot the presidential helicopter around Washington, D.C., using the Fly Like Ike feature.

The Virtual White House tour offers visitors a glimpse of the interiors of the public areas including the East Wing, Family Theater, Library, Vermeil Room, China Room, Diplomatic Reception Room, Map Room, State Floor, as well as the famous rooms of the West Wing such as the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and Press Room.

You can also sneak a peek into some of the upper floors, including the Treaty Room, the Lincoln Bedroom, the Queen’s Bedroom, and the President’s Dining Room.

While you are out and about, why not try the White House Neighborhood Walking Tour that provides turn-by-turn navigation of the President’s Neighborhood.

This tour stops at a range of historic landmarks, including Decatur House, Lafayette Square, St. John’s Church, Treasury Building, North Lawn, Blair House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building, South Lawn and Ellipse, and the White House Visitor Center. The app also provides information on points of interest at each of these locations.

Melania Trump White House Kitchen Garden

During the spring and fall, the White House opens its stunning and extensive gardens to visitors. With the sun shining on Washington, D.C., garden lovers can stroll through the White House Kitchen Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the Rose Garden, and South Lawn of the White House, while taking in the tranquil surroundings just outside the home of democracy.

The Spring Garden Tour usually takes place on a single weekend in April, while the Fall Garden Tour will is held over a weekend in September. Both White House Garden Tours are free and open to the public, but they are only open to ticket holders.

Tickets can only be obtained on the day , but there are often long queues of people waiting to get hold of them. Every member of your group must wait in-person to receive their ticket, and tours are timed throughout the day. Children are welcome to join you on your tour, but they will need their own ticket, and there are plenty of plaques and information points to take in during your self-guided tour of the gardens.

The White House Gardens are home to over 50 different kinds of vegetables, as well as berries, herbs, and even a beehive . In 2009, first lady Michelle Obama planted the Kitchen Garden in conjunction with her Let’s Move! Initiative that focused on health and well-being in America. To this day, the White House cooks still use fresh fruit, vegetable, and herbs that are grown there when cooking for the first family and their guests.

The Rose Garden is famous for the lush green lawn often seen in outdoor press conferences, and it can be found just outside the West Wing in view of the Oval Office. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is dedicated to the former first lady herself, and the wide-open lawns and gorgeous borders are often used for parties, teas, and awards ceremonies.

The South Lawn is where the president departs and lands on the official presidential helicopter, Marine One, and is also where the famous annual Easter Egg Roll is held. It is also home to a range of magnolia trees that were first planted by President Andrew Jackson back in the 1800s.

Hot Tip: Visitors are welcome to take photos during the tour and are encouraged to share them on Instagram using the #WHGARDEN hashtag to share the beauty of the White House Gardens with the world.

Often drawing as many as 35,000 parents and children on the South Lawn, the world-famous White House Easter Egg Roll is one of the most exciting events of the White House calendar.

This time-honored tradition was first established by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878 . What initially started as a few local families rolling eggs outside the White House on the first Monday after Easter , was extended when the growing crowds convinced President Hayes to invite young children to roll eggs inside the grounds of the White House Lawn instead.

If it hadn’t have been this kind gesture by the then president, the Egg Roll might never have happened, as members of Congress had already passed an Act banning egg rolling outside the White House as they deemed it be too disruptive.

The White House Easter Bunny holds celebrity status, and the giant 6-foot bunny suit has often worn by members of Congress, first wives, and a range of famous celebrities.

Anyone wanting to come and join in the fun must enter a lottery for a place. Children under 13 years are encouraged to attend, and the event is designed to promote healthy and active living. The lottery is usually held during February , and winners are notified via email the following month. There is no charge to enter the lottery , and attendance is literally by the luck of the draw.

Hot Tip: Commemorative White House Easter eggs can be purchased from the White House Historical Association online store and feature the president’s and the first lady’s signatures.

Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave., the White House Visitor Center is a great place to visit to find out about the history of the building itself, as well as discovering the customs and events that the White House is so famous for.

What to See at the Visitor Center

Offering just shy of 1,600 square feet of museum-quality exhibits and galleries , there is always something new to see at the Visitor Center. There are nearly 100 famous historical artifacts on display, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s desk and a host of other interesting pieces, many of which have never been on public display before.

The Visitor Center is also home to a large-scale model of the White House and a number of interactive exhibits , including a touch screen tour of the interior.

One of the biggest highlights is a 14-minute film, “White House: Reflections From Within,” that is shown every 20 minutes. It features Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and a few first ladies and other family members reminiscing about their time in the White House. This is a popular attraction within the Visitor Center and a must-see whether you have managed to secure a place on a White House tour or not.

The White House Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service . It is housed in historic Baldrige Hall in the Department of Commerce building. In 2014, the center was renovated to offer extra space in which to house a permanent museum gallery, a temporary exhibit area, an improved book sales area, and further visitor information facilities.

When to Visit

The White House Visitor Center is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day . It is free to enter and can be visited in conjunction with a White House tour if you are lucky enough to get on one, or as a stand-alone attraction.

Located at the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., President’s Park offers 82 acres of stunning open space that includes the parkland and gardens surrounding the White House . The park is home to some of the most famous statues, memorials, and structures in Washington, D.C., and the park is open to visitors all year round.

Throughout the years, the President’s Park has played host to many important events in history. These include marches and rallies held by suffragettes, freedom fighters, and anti-war protestors, as well as welcoming thousands of visitors to enjoy the annual Easter Egg Roll and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

The National Park Service promotes 2 very distinct sides of the park for visitors to explore.

The Northern Trail

Beginning at the White House Visitor Center, visitors can proceed up to 15th Street to Lafayette Park on the Northern Trail . First opened in the 1820s, and redesigned in the 1960s, the park has been used as a race track, a slave market, an encampment for soldiers, and many other things along the way.

The park is also home to St. John’s Church, often referred to as the “Church of the Presidents,” and the whole area became a designated National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Statues and Monuments

The park is home to a number of statues that commemorate the many heroes who helped America during times of war. These include:

General Sherman Statue

Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman has his very own bronze statue that features a square platform with a bronze soldier at each corner. These represent the 4 branches of the U.S. Army: infantry, artillery, cavalry, and engineers.

General Lafayette Statue

Located at the southeast corner of Lafayette Square, this bronze statue was erected in 1891 and portrayed the Marquis de Lafayette petitioning the French National Assembly for assistance to the Americans in their fight for independence. On an adjoining pedestal, there is a bronze female figure, symbolizing America, turning toward him and imploringly lifting a sword.

General Kosciuszko Statue

Commemorating Polish patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko and his life-long dedication to fighting for freedom in America and Poland, this bronze memorial is located in the northeast corner of Lafayette Park.

General Jackson Memorial

Located in the center of Lafayette Park, this statue portrays General Andrew Jackson reviewing his troops at the Battle of New Orleans. Depicting the general and his horse, the statue was dedicated on January 8, 1853, on the 38th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans.

General von Steuben Statue

Portraying Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben (1730-1794) as he inspects American troops during the American Revolution, this statue recognizes not only his leadership but his commitment to raising the standards of sanitization for soldiers during the war.

General Rochambeau Statue

This French general commanded 5,500 Royal French Expeditionary Forces to help with the American forces during the war. The statue depicts Rochambeau directing his troops, as well as a female figure, Liberty, who raises 2 flags in her left hand, symbolizing the unity of the U.S. and France.

Other Landmarks and Buildings

Blair-lee house.

Serving as the official guesthouse for the president, Blair-Lee House was built in 1824. Various presidents and foreign dignitaries have stayed at Blair-Lee House throughout the years, and even today, many foreign heads of state are invited to stay there while visiting with the president.

Baruch Bench of Inspiration

Bernard Baruch was a wealthy financier from New York City who also served the country as an economic advisor during both World War I and World War II. Legend has it that he hated been driven to the White House and preferred instead to sit on a bench and wait for a signal that the president was ready to meet him.

In his honor, a commemorative bench with a bronze plaque set in granite block was dedicated on August 16, 1960, Baruch’s 90th birthday.

Navy Yard Urns

These huge ornamental bronze urns were cast using a melted cannon from the Civil War. They sit on giant pedestals at the center of Jackson Place and are a reminder of the hard-fought battles undertaken by Americans during the Civil War.

The Southern Trail

The Southern Trail begins at the White House Visitor Center and proceeds onto the Ellipse grounds, following a clockwise route around the parkland.

Monuments and Memorials

Butt-millet memorial fountain.

This tranquil fountain was erected to commemorate the deaths of Major Archibald Wallingham Butt and Francis Davis Millet. They both lost their lives on the RMS Titanic in April 1912. The fountain was also designed to double as a water fountain for the horses ridden by U.S. Park Police while on patrol.

Second Division Memorial

Erected to honor the 17,660 dead who served in the U.S. Army during World War I, this memorial was later extended to include a memorial to some of the most significant battles in World War II and the Korean War. It serves as a place of quiet contemplation and remembrance.

Original Patentees Memorial

This simple granite shaft was erected to remember the original 18 patentees whose land grants embraced the site of the federal city. Each side of the monument contains a relief panel carved with a symbol of the early pioneers’ agricultural pursuits, and the names of the original landowners are inscribed on the base.

Boy Scout Memorial

Dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America, this statue stood on the site of the first-ever Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937. The bronze statue consists of 3 figures that represent the aspirations of all past, present, and future Scouts throughout the world. There is also a female figure that symbolizes enlightenment with the love of God and fellow man, justice, freedom, and democracy.

The Zero Milestone

This 4-foot-high shaft of pink granite is the official starting point for the measurement of highway distances from Washington, D.C. It was built to mark the starting point of the first transcontinental military motor convoy that traveled from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco.

First Division Monument

This was built in remembrance of the heroism of the soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Forces who gave their lives during World War I. Further additions were made to also commemorate those who died in both World War II and the Vietnam War, as well as the Gulf War.

Bulfinch Gatehouses

Both of these gatehouses were build to oversee the U.S. Capitol grounds, and since 1889 they have weathered several floods, water, and the effects of acid rain.

The Ellipse

As perhaps one of the most famous areas of President’s Park, the Ellipse is a large open area surrounded by an oval drive. Over the years, the site has been used as a trash dump, horse pens, and even a slaughterhouse, but it is now often the meeting place for demonstrations and celebrations.

The National Christmas Tree

Every Christmas, local public schools erect a Christmas tree on the Ellipse. This age-old tradition is a highly anticipated event, and each succeeding president has participated in since 1923.

A visit to Washington, D.C. would not be complete without taking a series of snaps of the White House. There are various ways to capture awesome images of one of the world’s most iconic buildings, even if you can’t get right up close to it.

The North Side From Pennsylvania Avenue

This view of the White House is one of the most famous images in the world. There is a fair distance between the sidewalk and the White House (as you would expect), but it is not impossible to get great pictures.

If you want to pass off the impression that you are inside the grounds of the White House, find a gap in the fence that is big enough to slip your digital camera through. Taking a picture of the White House straight on can make it look like it leans backward slightly. This is because there are no parallel vertical lines in the historical building.

You can either go with it and enjoy its imperfections or if you want your images to look super fancy, use the lens correction tool in Photoshop to fix this.

If you don’t mind seeing the fencing in your photographs, there are also some awesome images to be captured from Lafayette Park, where you can add stunning seasonal flowers into the foreground, too.

The South Side and E Street

On the south side of the White House, there are lots of trees that line the South lawn, which can be prohibitive to your view. There are, however, 2 walkways on E Street that offer you some excellent photographic opportunities.

You can take images through the fence on the north side of the street, or cross over to include people and bustling street scenes to add a sense of perspective.

Taking a short walk further away from the building itself, the Ellipse offers the opportunity for some excellent shots, and if you are lucky, you may be able to get Marine One in there, too. The base of the Washington Monument on Constitution Avenue offers some interesting viewpoints as well, as it has a slightly elevated position.

When to Take Pictures

Different seasons and times of the day offer different opportunities to capture the perfect picture. During the holiday season, the National Christmas Tree is bright and festive, with the White House providing a beautiful backdrop to great Christmas images, while the gardens around the White House look fantastic in both spring and fall.

Summer is the busiest time of year for visitors, so capturing images without bystanders is nearly impossible, but they can add an extra layer of perspective to your finished shots. Early morning and early evening shots add atmosphere, as the building looks magical lit up at night.

Bottom Line: No matter where you find yourself in the surrounding streets and parklands, you should still be able to take photographs that will keep your memories alive.

George Washington Never Lived There

Although he was responsible for commissioning the construction of the White House, his term ended 3 years before the building work was completed, and a year after he died. He is the only U.S. president never to have lived in the White House during their term in office.

He Was Responsible for the Design of the Oval Office, Though

The Oval Office was first used in 1909, and the oval shape was inspired by Washington’s love of unusually shaped rooms. He was believed to have preferred rounded shaped rooms at his home in Philadelphia, as he felt it made them more suitable for hosting formal gatherings.

The White House Was Built by Slaves

Controversial, but true, White House records show that the house was built by African American slaves who were trained as quarrymen, bricklayers, and carpenters to help complete the building project. This fact was brought to the attention of the American public by former first lady, Michelle Obama.

The White House Had No Electricity for Almost 100 Years

The White House was lit by gaslight right up until 1891 when the electricity system was first installed. The idea of electric lighting was still pretty novel at the time, and President Benjamin Harrison was worried about the dangers of touching a light switch. To protect himself throughout his time in office, he always had someone else switch the lights on and off for him.

It Didn’t Have Indoor Bathrooms for Decades, Either

Indoor plumbing systems were not part of the original design of the White House back in 1800. In fact, it wasn’t until 1833 that any kind of indoor plumbing was installed, and even then, not all of the bathrooms had hot and cold running water until some 20 years later in 1853.

It Was, However, One of the First Accessible Government Buildings

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was responsible for ensuring that the White House was and still is, entirely wheelchair accessible. Having suffered from polio, FDR was paralyzed below the waist and spent his time in office bound to a wheelchair.

Because of this, he took it upon himself to add elevators and ramps throughout the White House, making it one of the first wheelchair-friendly buildings in Washington, D.C. and possibly the U.S.

At Least 10 People Have Died in the White House

With such a high turn over of residents, it should come as no surprise that several people have passed away within the confines of its walls, too. Famous demises include Presidents William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, as well as first ladies Letitia Tyler, Caroline Harrison, and Ellen Wilson, too.

It Is Said to Be Haunted

Many residents, staffers, and guests have all claimed to feel the power of the paranormal during their time at the White House. To this day, rumor has it that the ghost of Abraham Lincoln still walks the hallowed halls and corridors, and there have been many reported sightings of him throughout the house.

There Is a Secret Entrance

The White House has a secret entrance that is only used by the president and secret visitors. This is not unusual in high-profile buildings, but to enter via the secret entrance at the White House, visitors must go through 2 tunnels and an alleyway before reaching the basement.

This intricate entrance system was originally designed during World War II when there was an underground bomb shelter that sat beneath the White House.

There Is Also an Underground Swimming Pool

The White House has an outdoor pool that is enjoyed during warmer months, but it also has an interior pool hidden beneath its floors. First opened in 1933 for use by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the pool still exists today and can be found directly under the Press Briefing Room.

And a Dentist’s Office

If the president suffers from a sudden toothache, a lost crown, or a broken filling, there is a dentist on-site to deal with that. The basement of the White House is home to a dedicated dentist’s office, as well as plenty of other useful services, including a chocolate shop and a florist.

Tom Hanks Gifted Coffee Machines for the Press Briefings at the White House

During a tour of the White House back in 2004, the actor was surprised to see that there were no refreshment services for reporters who attended press briefings at the White House. Hanks immediately sent a coffee machine to be used in the Press Briefing Room and has upgraded the original machine twice since then.

In 2017 he sent a $1,700 espresso machine along with a note that read, “Keep up the good fight for truth, justice, and the American way. Especially for the truth part.”

The White House Nearly Fell Apart

During the Great Depression, there was very little money in the kitty for much-needed maintenance and repairs. Creaking floorboards, a leaking roof, weakened wooden beams, and swaying balconies all put the White House at risk of collapse, but the ongoing damage to the structure was not fully discovered until much later in 1948 when it was fully renovated.

The Current White House Is Not the Original One

During the invasion in 1814, the British burned the White House down, just 14 years after it had been completed. While the modern-day building has stood for hundreds of years, much of the original building was lost to the fire, and the rebuild was not completed until 4 years later.

The West Wing Wasn’t Always There

Home to some of the most famous rooms within the White House, the West Wing wasn’t actually even built until the early 20th century.

In 1902, Teddy Roosevelt called to have an executive office building built alongside the residence. President Taft doubled the wing’s size in 1909, which included the Oval Office, making President Taft was the first-ever president to use it.

It Has Been Home to a Wide Variety of Animals

Each new presidential resident and their families are welcome to bring their pets with them when they move into the White House.

This means that over the years, it has been home to lots of cats and dogs, as well as a variety of more unusual animals. These include a raccoon, opossums, and even a pair of tiger cubs that were gifted to President Van Buren.

It Is Also Home to a 7-Seat Hot Tub

Former President Bill Clinton was gifted a 7-seat hot tub that is installed near the South Lawn next to the swimming pool.

Due to rules and regulations on “gifting” items to members of Congress, the hot tub had to be donated as a legitimate therapy appliance. A spokesperson for President Clinton said at the time that the hot tub did indeed help with his injured knee.

It Wasn’t Always Called the White House

Over the years, the building we know as the White House has had a number of different names. Originally known as the President’s Palace, its name was later changed to Executive Mansion sometime around 1810.

It wasn’t actually until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt officially adopted the name White House and it has been known by that name ever since.

Nothing Comes for Free

It may surprise you to know that even the presidential family doesn’t get fed for free in the White House. While they don’t have to pay rent or bills while they live there, they are responsible for the costs of their personal food, dry cleaning, toiletries, and even the wages for waiters and other members of staff they employ for private events.

These costs are usually just deducted from their salary.

The Famous Resolute Desk Was Found on an Abandoned Ship

The Resolute Desk in the Oval Office was originally part of an abandoned British Navy vessel found off Baffin Island in the Arctic.

When the ship was decommissioned by the U.K., its oak timbers were used to create a desk weighing more than 1,000 pounds that Queen Victoria later gifted to President Rutherford Hayes.

To this day, we still see the presidents sign orders from behind this fabulous piece of furniture.

Many visitors choose to stay close to the White House during their visit. Here are some of the best to choose from.

Willard InterContinental Washington

This historic hotel is located on the world-famous Pennsylvania Avenue and has been a D.C. landmark for over 200 years. Offering executive suites and luxurious guest rooms, this 5-star hotel has stately interiors and is just a short walk the White House itself.

Stay in style surrounded by city or courtyard views, Keurig coffeemakers, and suites with separate living areas, whirlpool tubs, and even their own foyers. All guests are invited to enjoy the use of the beauty and wellness treatments available at the Mynd Spa and Salon.

You can dine at the authentic French brasserie, Cafe Du Parc, or take advantage of the full concierge service who can help you to make the most of your trip to one of America’s oldest cities.

The Hay – Adams

This luxury hotel offers unparalleled White House views from its position on the National Mall, and it is as popular with visitors as it is with Washington, D.C. insiders. Elegant interiors paired with first-class service and facilities make this 5-star hotel one of the most sought after in the city.

Bedrooms are upscale and very well appointed, with many offering fabulous views out across the National Mall. The wood-paneled walls, ornate fireplaces, and chandeliers found in the communal areas give the hotel an incredibly grand feel, and visitors may even recognize The Hay-Adams from television shows, including House of Cards and Homeland.

With a busy bar, a fitness center, and one of the city’s best restaurants all on-site, this hotel offers an authentic taste of upscale D.C.

JW Marriott Washington

Brilliantly located for visiting the White House and numerous other political and cultural landmarks in D.C., this renovated hotel offers luxurious lodgings on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is a modern hotel that has a bright and airy feel, with contemporary bedrooms and plenty of minimalist touches.

Guests love the large windows with fabulous views out across the city, as well as spacious bedrooms and bright and practical communal spaces. The hotel is also home to The Avenue Grill that serves up casual American fare, as well as a lively bar with a daily happy hour and a Starbucks coffee shop. This hotel offers affordable 4-star accommodation in the heart of D.C.

Sofitel Lafayette Square

This glamorous Art Deco style hotel sits just 1 block away from the White House and adds a touch of European flair to this most American of cities. With opulent interiors and seductive French flair, this 5-star hotel is located at the heart of the finest shops, restaurants, and landmarks the city has to offer.

Bedrooms are plush and well-appointed with tall windows and luxury linens, while the communal areas feel decadent. Guests are welcome to enjoy the great-tasting fare at the ICI Urban Bistro or join fellow guests for a cocktail or 2 at the bar. There is also a large basement fitness center, and spa treatments can be ordered to your room.

Club Quarters Hotel

This mid-range hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation just 2 blocks from the White House and right next to Farragut West Metro station, therefore affording easy access to the entire city. Designed very much with business travelers in mind, this hotel offers collaborative workspaces with super-fast Wi-Fi, wireless printing, and Mac and PC workstations.

Bedrooms are bright and airy and offer sleek interiors complete with yoga mats and resistance bands, while suites add kitchenettes and separate living areas. The hotel is also home to the Cafe Soleil that serves up fun, French-inspired food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hot Tip: Looking for even more hotels? Explore our best hotels in Washington, D.C. to book with points.

No visit to Washington, D.C. would be complete without a trip to see one of the most famous buildings in the world. Home to presidents for hundreds of years, the city is steeped in history.

If you are lucky enough to secure a place on an official White House tour, you will not be disappointed. But even if you are unable to get inside the building itself, there is still a wealth of attractions, landmarks, exhibitions, and open spaces for you to enjoy in the world-class parks and open spaces around the White House.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get tickets to visit the white house.

You can get tickets to visit the White House through your member of Congress only. These tickets have to be requested a minimum of 3 weeks in advance and can be requested as early as 3 months prior to your tour date.

Is it free to visit the White House?

Yes, White House tours are free of charge and self-guided. The tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. You must request tickets through your member of Congress.

Can you tour the Oval Office?

White House tours do not include the Oval Office and tours of the West Wing are usually reserved for VIPs or guests of the president.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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First Lady Jill Biden attends an event to celebrate National Civics Day with the launch of Well Versed, an animated musical series that aims to help teach kids about democracy and the U.S. Bill of Rights Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Jessicas Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

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Welcome to the White House

Washington d.c., the white house.

A message from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

The East Wing Entrance

The East Wing was built in 1902 and since that time has been the entrance to the White House for visitors and guests. The building was enlarged in 1942 to its current size to provide office space.

The East Wing Colonnade & The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden

The garden, seen through the windows, was named the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden in 1965. Designed with ornamental hedges and seasonal flowers, this space can be used for informal entertaining.

The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden

The family theater.

This space was created in 1902 when the East Wing was added to the White House. Originally used as a cloakroom, it was converted into a movie theater in July 1942. The current décor, dating from 2004-2005, was inspired by theater interiors of the early 20th century.

The Vermeil Room

Once a billiard room, this room now displays selections from a collection of European and American gilded silver (called vermeil in French) received by the White House in 1958.

Several pieces of the 1,575-piece collection of vermeil are on view throughout the House and include examples of work by the most prominent English and French silversmiths working in the 18th and 19th centuries. Portraits of 20th century first ladies are also displayed here.

The Library

The Library now holds over 2,700 books on American history, culture, politics and philosophy. Originally a laundry room, in 1902, it was transformed into a gentleman's waiting room. Later, in 1935, it became a library and remains a frequent location for media tapings today.

Most of the Federal furnishings were made in New York, 1800-1820. Above the mantel is a 1930 painting by Georgia O’Keeffe entitled, Mountain at Bear Lake – Taos , showing a sacred spot on the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico.

The China Room

The China Room has been an exhibition space for tableware since 1916. Not every president has ordered state china, so both official and some family services are exhibited. The 1918 Woodrow Wilson state service was the first White House service made in the United States.

The 1924 portrait of First Lady Grace Coolidge by Howard Chandler Christy features her white collie Rob Roy.

The East Room

The chandeliers, light standards, drapery, cornices, and benches are original to the changes of 1902. The neoclassical wall paneling, also introduced in 1902, was re-created during President Harry S. Truman’s renovation, 1948-1952. The mantels and mirrors were also added in 1952.

This portrait of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1797, was installed in the White House in 1800. It is the only object in the collection to remain at the House since it was first occupied.

The largest room in the White House, the East Room has been the scene of state dinners, receptions, concerts, weddings, and press conferences. Here the bodies of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy have lain in state after their assassinations.

The Green Room

From 1801-1809, Thomas Jefferson used this room as a dining room. It became a formal parlor during James Madison’s presidency. By 1825 under John Quincy Adams, this room was known as the “Green Drawing Room,” named for the color of the fabrics.

The Federal-style furniture was made between 1800 and 1815. French artist Theobald Chartran painted the portrait of Edith Roosevelt, located over the fireplace, from sittings at the White House in 1902.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia by Ferdinand Richardt, seen over the sofa, depicts the historic building and city life during the mid-19th century.

The Blue Room

This elegant oval room has long been a reception room. President James Monroe furnished this room in the French style in 1817, and purchased most of the gilded chairs, the sofa, and the clock on the mantel.

Grover Cleveland, the only president to have a White House wedding, married Frances Folsom here in 1886.

The Red Room

The Red Room, a parlor since the early 19th century, is often used by first ladies to receive guests. Here, President Rutherford Hayes took the oath of office in 1877.

Most of the American Empire-style furniture was made in New York, 1810-1830. The marble mantel has been in the White House since 1819.

The State Dining Room

The existing architecture and eagle pier tables date from the sweeping renovations made to the White House during the administration of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902. As many as 140 people can be seated at dinners and luncheons by using round tables.

The portrait of Abraham Lincoln over the mantelpiece was painted in 1869 by George P.A. Healy.

Thomas Jefferson used part of this room as his office where he and his secretary, Meriwether Lewis, planned the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1802. Since 1809, it has served as the State Dining Room.

In 1902, with the removal of a staircase in the Cross Hall, the State Dining Room was enlarged and redesigned with oak paneling for President Theodore Roosevelt. Stuffed animal heads were displayed here until the 1920s.

The North Lawn

The south lawn.

White House Office of the First Lady, 2023 White House Visitors Office, 2023 White House Office of the Social Secretary, 2023 White House Executive Residence, 2023 White House Office of the Curator, 2023 United States Secret Service, 2023

2022 Holidays at The White House: "We The People"

Virtual tour of the art and decor of the white house: the state floor, 2021 holidays at the white house: “gifts from the heart”, virtual tour of the art and decor of the white house: the ground floor, virtual tour of the eisenhower executive office building.

You can now tour the White House in 360-degree VR

Whatever your political persuasion

Ever imagined yourself strolling through the corridors of power in the US? Or maybe just being an extra on the West Wing? Then you'll be keen to take advantage of the official virtual reality tour of the White House that's just been launched .

The VR experience, available on the Oculus Rift and Gear VR , and on the web , is actually a guided tour led by none other than outgoing President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle. It's also a bit of a retrospective on their last eight years at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

"This house belongs to you, and to every American," says Obama. "For eight years, just a short chapter in the long story of our democracy, my family also had the privilege of calling the White House home."

HTC Vive vs Oculus Rift : which VR headset does it better?

Tour de force

Like any of the 360-degree videos uploaded to Facebook, if you're watching through a web browser, you can click and drag to look all the way around. You can't just run off into any room you like, however - you have to stick to the tour.

As you would expect, the video - which runs a little over eight minutes - takes you through some of the most iconic rooms in the President's home, from the Situation Room to the Oval Office.

And the creatives behind Félix & Paul Studios , who made the video, have said they're planning to make a much longer version at some point in the future. In the meantime strap on your VR headset and take a look inside one of the world's most famous landmarks.

YouTube has made Daydreams come true for VR video

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Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

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The White House and Google launch a new virtual tour with audio captions, Spanish translation

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Can't come to Washington? Couldn't get a ticket to tour the White House? Don't worry.

The White House, Google Maps and Google Arts & Culture launched a new virtual tour of the famous mansion on Friday, which is also National Civics Day.

With a computer or smartphone, users will be able to spend time zooming in on all of the rooms that they would have seen had they been able to go on an in-person tour.

“Not everyone can make the trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the White House, so she's bringing the White House to them,” Alexander said.

It is also Google's first virtual tour of the White House to have Spanish translation, and feature the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

The tour opens with a brief video of President Joe Biden and the first lady welcoming visitors, the same message that plays at the White House Visitors Center for those who visit in person.

The tour was created using Google Arts & Culture’s storytelling tool.

Ben Gomes, senior vice president of learning and sustainability at Google, said the mission of its arts and culture division is to open the world's culture to people everywhere.

The tour is available on the White House website, as well as on Google Maps and the Google Arts & Culture page.

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What can we help you find?

While we certainly appreciate historical preservation, it looks like your browser is a bit too historic to properly view whitehousehistory.org. — a browser upgrade should do the trick.

Main Content

The White House: A Video Tour

Join White House Historical Association historians Dr. Matthew Costello and Lina Mann as they tour the history of the White House in this collection of short videos, made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring human endeavor.

The below digital notebook was created by the White House Historical Association to assist students and teachers using “The White House: A Video Tour” in their classrooms. Even if students are learning in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format, these materials are accessible and will accompany them on their journey through these tours. The materials feature vocabulary, reflection questions, and other activities to encourage students to deepen understandings and create meaning in their exploration of the "People's House."

The Ground Floor Corridor

The Library

The East Room

The Green Room

The Red Room

The Blue Room

The State Dining Room

The Cross and Entrance Halls

IMAGES

Visit White House From Your Home
The White House Google Virtual Tour
Take a Virtual Tour of the White House While You're Stuck at Home
Take a Virtual Tour of the White House from Google Virtual Tours
Take a virtual reality tour of the White House narrated by President
You're Invited to Take a Virtual Tour of The White House

COMMENTS

Tour the White House in 360 Degrees
For Students and Teachers. The below digital notebook was created by the White House Historical Association to assist students and teachers using "The White House 360 Virtual Tour" in their classrooms. Even if students are learning in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format, these materials are accessible and will accompany them on their ...
Virtual Tour
The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To ... We invite you to put yourself in the center of living history and experience the White House through a virtual tour.
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Hit LIKE if you like the video :)Want to see whats inside the White House? Lets travel inside the white house as a virtual guest. Even you can visit white ho...
First Lady Jill Biden Announces New Virtual White House Tour
The opening video on the virtual tour of the President and the First Lady is the same video that plays at the White House Visitors Center, so those who come for the virtual tour will get the same ...
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See the White House inside and out! From inside the gates and in through the East entrance to the front entrance! You'll see the East room, Blue room, Gree...
Explore the White House with Google Arts & Culture
The tour was captured using Street View that lives on both Google Maps and Google Arts & Culture — and the tour is now open to anyone with an internet connection, not only those who can visit in-person.Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't always called "the White House.". Throughout the 1800s different names were tried — the ...
The White House Interactive Tour
You can through this interactive virtual tour. Visit again and again to: watch exclusive videos; tour the West Wing, Residence, East Wing, and South Lawn; and learn about the use of the White House rooms throughout history. This website takes you "inside" the White House through an interactive virtual tour.
Tour the White House in 360-Degree Virtual Reality
January 13, 2017. Today marks the launch of The People's House: Inside the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama, the first-ever Facebook 360 project filmed inside the world's most famous ...
Take a 360-Degree Virtual Tour of the White House
Now, the Obamas are offering a new way to see the People's House -- in virtual reality. In this virtual experience, viewers can explore the White House and West Wing in 360 degrees. The tour ...
The White House and Google launch a new virtual tour with audio
It is also Google's first virtual tour of the White House to have Spanish translation, and feature the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.. The tour opens with a brief video of President Joe Biden and the first lady welcoming visitors, the same message that plays at the White House Visitors Center for those who visit in person.
Take a Virtual Tour of the White House While You're Stuck at Home
Explore the interiors and exteriors of the White House online with Street View. Learn about the history, artwork, and decor of the famous residence and its offices.
Visit The White House
The White House Tour entrance is located in Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW. If arriving by rideshare, use the White House Visitor Center (WHVC) as the drop-off ...
White House Virtual Tour
Visit Washington D.C. and see where the President lives from the comfort of your couch in this Virtual White House Tour hosted by your Muncie Public Library!...
Tour the White House in 360 Degrees
For Students and Teachers. The below digital notebook was created by the White House Historical Association to assist students and teachers using "The White House 360 Virtual Tour" in their classrooms. Even if students are learning in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format, these materials are accessible and will accompany them on their ...
The White House Google Virtual Tour
The White House. Come and explore the inside residence halls of The United States President and even walk around The Oval office. #SeeInside #OnGoogleMaps #360 #VirtualTour. Share: Bell & Colvill - Lotus & Morgan Car Dealer. Pyrford Village War Memorial Hall 360 Virtual Tour.
How To Visit the White House & Get A Tour [+ Virtual Tour]
The White House Visitor Center is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. It is free to enter and can be visited in conjunction with a White House tour if you are lucky enough to get on one, or as a stand-alone attraction.
The White House and Google launch a new virtual tour with audio
The tour opens with a brief video of President Joe Biden and the first lady welcoming visitors, the same message that plays at the White House Visitors Center for those who visit in person.
Welcome to the White House
The East Wing was built in 1902 and since that time has been the entrance to the White House for visitors and guests. The building was enlarged in 1942 to its current size to provide office space. ... Virtual Tour of the Art and Decor of The White House: The Ground Floor The White House. Online Exhibit Virtual Tour of the Eisenhower Executive ...
You can now tour the White House in 360-degree VR
Tour de force. Like any of the 360-degree videos uploaded to Facebook, if you're watching through a web browser, you can click and drag to look all the way around. You can't just run off into any ...
The White House and Google launch a new virtual tour with audio
The White House, Google Maps and Google Arts & Culture launched a new virtual tour of the famous mansion on Friday, which is also National Civics Day. The updated virtual tour is part of a desire by first lady Jill Biden to make the White House accessible to as many people as possible.
The White House: A Video Tour
White House 360° Tour A 360° Tour of the Executive Mansion with Digital Notebooks for Teachers & Students; ... digital notebook was created by the White House Historical Association to assist students and teachers using "The White House: A Video Tour" in their classrooms. Even if students are learning in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid ...
Take a virtual reality tour of the White House narrated by President
The video takes viewers on a tour sprinkled with the history of the White House and the first family's memories in nine different parts of the building, including the Situation Room and the Oval ...
Inside the White House on a Public Tour
We had a chance to go inside the White House! https://freetoursbyfoot.com/visit-the-white-house-tour/Any one can request tickets to visit the White House to ...
Watch live: White House news briefing
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is delivering a press briefing Monday afternoon, following President Biden's trip to meet other Group of Seven leaders in Italy last week.
iCloud Photos
View, organize, and share photos and videos with iCloud Photos on the web. Changes will sync across your devices with iCloud.

Explore the White House with Google Arts & Culture

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the White House in Washington, D.C. [Includes Virtual Tour]

Table of Contents

Planning Your Visit

Overseas Nationals

Disabilities

On the Day of Your Tour

What to See at the Visitor Center

When to Visit

The Northern Trail

Statues and Monuments

General Sherman Statue

General Lafayette Statue

General Kosciuszko Statue

General Jackson Memorial

General von Steuben Statue

General Rochambeau Statue

Other Landmarks and Buildings

Baruch Bench of Inspiration

Navy Yard Urns

The Southern Trail

Monuments and Memorials

Second Division Memorial

Original Patentees Memorial

Boy Scout Memorial

The Zero Milestone

First Division Monument

Bulfinch Gatehouses

The Ellipse

The National Christmas Tree

The North Side From Pennsylvania Avenue

The South Side and E Street

When to Take Pictures

George Washington Never Lived There

He Was Responsible for the Design of the Oval Office, Though

The White House Was Built by Slaves

The White House Had No Electricity for Almost 100 Years

It Didn’t Have Indoor Bathrooms for Decades, Either

It Was, However, One of the First Accessible Government Buildings

At Least 10 People Have Died in the White House