One must-visit location in Washington, D.C. is the White House. The iconic white building standing amidst vast lawns has become well-known through television and attracts tourists from all over the world who gather to catch a glimpse of this structure.
When people think of the White House, most would imagine the semicircular balcony. The central entrance located there is considered the front entrance of the White House, but in reality, the White House has multiple locations that are referred to as front entrances.
Let’s explore the stories surrounding the entrances to the White House.
By the way, the front entrance of the West Wing is the entrance with the driveway located on the north side, while the East Wing’s front entrance faces East Executive Avenue on the east side of the building.
Officially, the White House does not have a designated front entrance.
According to the official view of the White House, there is no front entrance. Therefore, the official answer to the question “Which is the front?” would be “There is no front entrance.” However, since this answer may not satisfy most people, we can say that both the entrance with the balcony on the south side and the entrance on the north side are considered front entrances, but the north entrance holds higher significance.
The south entrance is often featured in television broadcasts and is used to welcome foreign heads of state and dignitaries visiting the White House for the first time. Welcoming ceremonies are held there, creating the perception that the south entrance is the front entrance, while the north entrance is considered the back. However, in reality, there is no official front entrance.
Instead, the White House refers to the south entrance as the “South Portico” and the north entrance as the “North Portico.” The lawns in front of each entrance are referred to as the “South Lawn” and the “North Lawn,” respectively.
For those who still want to clarify where the front is…
Nevertheless, for those who strongly desire a clear distinction between front and back, we can say that the north entrance is the front entrance, and the entrance with the balcony on the south side is considered the back. This perspective is supported by the fact that the north entrance faces important State Floor (first floor) where various national events are held, and the roof of the north entrance features a triangular pediment, which is a tradition dating back to ancient Greece.
Regarding the number of floors and the relationship with the front entrance of the White House
Typically, the number of floors in a building is counted starting from the ground floor, with each floor above increasing the count, while the floors immediately below the ground are counted as basement floors, with the count increasing downward.
This counting method is known as the American style, which is considered commonplace for Japanese people. However, in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, the method of counting floors is slightly different.
In the British style, the floors at ground level are referred to as the ground floor, and the floor above it is considered the first floor.
As for the White House, it is commonly known as a four-story building above ground and two stories below ground. However, its structure is actually quite complex.
Now, take a close look at the White House from the south and north sides. Do you notice anything?
The south side appears to have more floors than the north side.
This is because the North Lawn gradually rises like a hill toward the building, and the North Portico directly connects to the floor that appears as the second floor when viewed from the south side. As a result, the floor that should be visible from both the north and south sides is hidden by the ground when viewed from the north side.
What’s interesting is that the floor that appears as the second floor when viewed from the south side is actually considered the first floor according to the official designation of the White House. This floor, known as the State Floor, is where various national events take place.
Therefore, the counting method for the floors of the White House differs between the Residence section and the East and West Wings. The Residence section follows the British style of counting, while the Wings follow the American style.
Currently, it is not possible to visit the interior of the White House without an introduction from a member of the United States Congress. Visitors enter the building from the front of the East Wing and exit from the North Portico of the Residence, resulting in the experience of entering on the first floor and exiting on the first floor after ascending one floor.
Based on these factors, although the White House does not have an official front entrance, it is appropriate to consider the North Portico, which faces the State Floor, as the front entrance.
The North Portico of the White House holds significant status
It faces Pennsylvania Avenue, the prominent street in Washington, D.C., and even regular tourists can view it from a closer distance compared to the balcony on the south side. The entrance is adorned with intricate sculptures, making it visually striking. However, general tourists cannot view it up close, so it is recommended to bring a camera with a telephoto lens.
Additionally, the Visitor Center near the White House displays a model of the building, allowing visitors to observe the structure up close.
The White House is one of the most renowned residences in the wo...
Participating in the Garden Tour allows you to get a close view of the South Portico.
Another opportunity to get a close view of the South Portico is by participating in the White House Garden Tour, which takes place twice a year during spring and autumn. This garden tour is open to anyone without prior reservations, but entry is limited to those who receive the daily distributed tickets. Normally, the tickets are distributed at the Ellipse Pavilion located in the Ellipse, but the location may vary depending on the situation, so it is advisable to check the official website in advance. During the tour, visitors enter the White House through the gate on the southeast side, follow along the driveway, and make a complete loop around the South Lawn. Along the way, visitors can observe not only the south side of the White House but also the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the Rose Garden facing the West Wing, and even catch a distant view of the Oval Office, the semi-circular structure where the President’s office is located.
Depending on the purpose, any entrance can serve as the front entrance.
Although the White House does not have an official front entrance, each entrance serves as a front entrance depending on its purpose. Regardless of which entrance one uses to enter or exit, being inside the White House allows individuals to walk at the same eye level as the President, providing a firsthand glimpse into the history shared between this building and the United States.
