Located on the east side of the White House, at the intersection of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, you’ll find the White House Visitor Center housed on the first floor of the Commerce Department building.
The center exhibits various furnishings that were actually used in the White House, allowing visitors to get a close look at the history of the White House.
While it is very difficult to tour the interior of the White House, visiting this center requires no reservation and is open to anyone visiting Washington D.C., making it a must-visit location.
White House Visitor Center in the Heart of Washington D.C.
The White House Visitor Center is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, one of Washington D.C.’s prominent streets, on the ground floor of the Commerce Department building.
With a blue awning along the street, it is easily recognizable by the white letters that read “WHITE HOUSE Visitor Center.”
Inside the Center and Must-See Exhibits
To enter the center, you need to go through security checks at the entrance along Pennsylvania Avenue. The security checks are not as stringent as airport security, just a quick inspection to ensure no dangerous items are being carried.
Upon entering, you’ll see a faithful replica of the White House at the center, surrounded by various exhibits. The model accurately represents not only the central residence but also the east and west wings, allowing visitors to compare it with the actual building and deepen their knowledge of the White House’s architectural style.
Moving eastwards from the model, you’ll encounter the American eagle, which sits atop the flagpole on the White House roof. Further inside, there is a theater where a 10-minute video about the history of the White House is screened at regular intervals.
On the north side of the center, you’ll find exhibits related to the White House as the ‘Presidential Residence,’ while the south side exhibits focus on the White House as the ‘Presidential Home.’ Items on display include the chair used during a meeting between Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and the 38th President, Gerald R. Ford, as well as dishes used in the White House and samples of dishes preferred by past presidents.
Get Official White House Merchandise
On the west side of the Visitor Center, there is a museum shop where you can find official White House merchandise. This shop is operated by the White House Historical Association, making it an authorized store.
The main store is located in the Decatur House on the west side of Lafayette Square, just north of the White House. They also have other shops inside the White House itself.
Among the various items, the Christmas tree ornaments released every year are highly recommended. They feature unique designs related to the White House and are quite popular among visitors. For example, in 2019, the ornament featured Marine One, the helicopter used by presidents for short-distance travel.
They also offer items like mugs and business card holders with the names of past presidents, which are also very popular.
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Experience the White House Up Close at the Visitor Center
While touring the interior of the White House is challenging, at the Visitor Center, you can get up close to various exhibits related to the White House’s history.
“When in Washington D.C., the White House is a must-visit.” This is a standard route for many tourists, but just a short distance eastward from the White House, there’s a facility where you can experience the White House even more intimately. So, alongside your visit to the White House, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center and explore.”
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