The White House, the official residence of the President of the United States and a symbol of the nation’s political center, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
Though the White House is globally renowned, it offers public tours twice a year during spring and fall, allowing ordinary people to explore its interior. However, currently, visiting the White House is not open to everyone, and it requires application through a federal legislator.
Considering that exclusivity might fuel curiosity, I will now provide a comprehensive guide on how to tour the White House based on my own experience of having visited its interior.
Rooms Accessible to General Tourists in the White House
The White House tour is self-guided, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The tour typically starts from the East Wing, then proceeds to the eastern portion of the Main House’s ground floor, followed by visits to the rooms on the first floor. Finally, visitors exit through the main entrance, stepping outside through the designated exit gate, concluding the tour. – Image: From White House Tour.
During the White House tour, visitors can explore various historically significant rooms and spaces, such as the East Colonnade, where White House history and photos of past Presidents are exhibited, and the Grand Foyer, adorned with portraits of Presidents and First Ladies. Every room exudes a sense of America’s rich history, making the tour a memorable experience.
Here are some representative rooms accessible to general tourists:
East Room
Located on the east side of the White House Residence, the East Room is one of the largest rooms. It is known for hosting events such as welcoming foreign dignitaries and holding press conferences. This room also houses portraits of the first President of the United States, George Washington, and his wife, Martha.
On television and other media, the White House that is often shown i...
Green Room
Positioned on the east side of the White House, between the East Room and the Blue Room, the Green Room is often used for meetings and social gatherings by the President. It’s historically recognized as the place where the 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson, held dinner parties.
Inside the White House, there are several rooms named after colors, ...
Blue Room
Situated on the south side of the White House, between the Green Room and the Red Room, the Blue Room serves as a venue for official events and ceremonies hosted by the President. During Christmas, a grand Christmas tree adorns the center of this room.
The White House, the official residence of the President of the Unit...
Red Room
Located between the Blue Room and the State Dining Room, the Red Room is where the President and First Lady hold private gatherings.
The White House, a famous tourist destination in Washington, D.C., i...
State Dining Room
Situated on the west side of the Residence, the State Dining Room hosts formal dinners for foreign dignitaries and other important occasions. It features the iconic carving of an eagle, a symbol of the White House, displayed more closely than in other rooms.
Immerse yourself in the joy of Washington, D.C. to your heart
Apart from these, there are other intriguing spaces like the guest reception rooms and corridors not typically seen on television or in other media.
Reservation and Application Process
To tour the White House’s interior, one must apply through their respective federal legislator. Previously, before the occurrence of simultaneous terrorist attacks, obtaining an admission ticket distributed in front of the White House Visitor Center allowed anyone to visit without a reservation. However, now, to be considered for the tour, one needs to apply through their federal legislator at least three weeks before their desired visit date, and only those who pass the background check will be allowed to visit.
The application process involves providing the following information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)
- Country of citizenship
- Gender
- Residential address
Once the legislator’s office receives the completed application form with personal information, there’s nothing else for the visitor to do except wait for the evaluation results from the U.S. government. The results are typically communicated about three weeks before the scheduled tour date. As reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis after passing the government’s background check, it is advisable to apply as early as possible.
If, for some reason, a person is not selected for the tour, they will still receive communication from the legislator’s office, so patience is key.
Other Ways to Tour the White House
If one cannot secure an interior tour, the White House offers Garden Tours twice a year in spring and fall, which allow visitors to explore the gardens and grounds for free. Information about these tours is typically available on the official White House website, so checking regularly is essential.
Additionally, from Pennsylvania Avenue on the north side of the White House, visitors can enjoy an external view of the building and take photos from behind the fences, which has become a popular spot for tourists seeking a memorable snapshot.
For families with children, participating in the White House Easter Egg Roll, an annual event held during Easter, is an option. Kids who participate in this event receive signed wooden eggs from the First Lady, making it a highly sought-after experience.
In summary, there are various ways to experience the White House
Including inside tours through the application process or participation in special events like the Garden Tour and the Easter Egg Roll. For a chance to tour the interior, checking the official website and applying early is crucial. For other views and photo opportunities, the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue offers a fantastic vantage point.
