The White House Visitor Center provides an introduction to many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relationships with the press and world leaders. All of the new exhibits are now on display interweaving the histories of the White House as a home, office, stage and ceremonial space, museum and park. More than 90 White House artifacts, many of which have never been publicly displayed, give insight into life and work inside the Executive Mansion.
Renovations
The White House Visitor Center completed a $ 12.6 million renovation that reopened to the public in September 2014. The project was a public-private effort between the National Park Service and the White House Historical Association. Improvements to the Visitor Center include interactive exhibits and a model of the White House, as well as a new permanent museum gallery, temporary display area, improved book sales area, visitor information facilities, and opportunities for visitors. children and families connect to the history of the White House and President’s Park in new ways.
Location
1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 208-1631
The White House Visitor Center is located in the Commerce Department Building on the southeast corner of 15th and E streets. View a map
Transportation and Parking : The closest subway stations to the White House are Federal Triangle, Metro Center, and McPherson Square. Parking is very limited in this area, so public transportation is recommended.
Hours
Open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed every day at
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years
Visiting tips
- A 14-minute film, “The White House: Reflections From Within,” is very well done and provides insight into First Families experiences. Note that the theater is located at the far end of the building, but if you start by watching the movie, you will have a better context for exploring the exhibits.
- Who ordered that? is a fun interactive exhibit showing the food preferences of some of the presidents.
- Take your time and enjoy the daily lives of those who have lived in the White House. Get to know some of the staff, such as the white usher, chef, maitre d ‘, and housewives.
Tours of the White House are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for groups of 10 or more and must be requested in advance through the Member of Congress. If you haven’t planned ahead and booked a tour, you can still get a taste of White House history by visiting the White House Visitor Center. The National Park Service offers interpretive programs and special events at various times throughout the year. Read more about the White House
About the White House Historical Association
The White House Historical Association is a non-profit educational association founded in 1961 with the purpose of enhancing the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. It was created on the recommendation of the National Park Service and with the support of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. All proceeds from the sale of the Association’s books and products are used to fund the acquisition of historic furniture and artwork for the permanent collection of the White House, help preserve public rooms, and further its educational mission.
The Association also sponsors conferences, exhibitions, and other outreach programs. For more information about the Association, visit www.whitehousehistory.org.
