About The White House
The White House is the official home and office of the President of the United States. Everyone wants to tour this landmark in hopes of seeing the president, and of course, because it's the seat of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government.
The White House was designed by James Hoban--an Irish man--whose design beat out nine other competitors. The sight of the White House was selected by Pierre L'Enfant, often considered the architect of the blueprint for the District of Columbia, and George Washington. It took eight years to complete the White House. The first president to reside in the White House was John Adams who along with his wife Abigail, took up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania in 1800.
The White House residence has 132 rooms. The West Wing houses the Oval office and the offices of the presidential staff. Rooms of note in the West Wing include the Press Briefing Room, the Roosevelt Room and the Cabinet Room. Tours of the West Wing are generally reserved for friends of those who work for and protect the president.
On the public tour, highlights include the Red Room--a favorite of many a first lady including Nancy Reagan, the Blue Room--where the president formally receives guests & the State Dining Room where Amy Carter use to roller skate.
Tours of The White House
Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through your Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These are self-guided tours, availble from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, except on holidays. Tours are scheduled one month prior to the tour date and are done so on a first come, first serve basis.
Not a U.S. citizen? Contact your embassy in DC and they can facilitate your request through the Protocol Desk at the State Department.
Getting There
The area surrounding The White House has limited parking. The best way to get there is by Metro with the closest stops being Federal Triangle, Metro Center and McPherson Square, or take a cab.
For more information, visit the The White House's official website.
