The East Wing is a building located on the eastern side of the White House and serves as the entrance for visitors. It houses facilities for baggage storage, offices for the First Lady and staff, the Office of White House Social Affairs, and serves as the official entrance for receiving guests.
The second floor is primarily used as office space for staff, while the first floor features a lobby, corridors, and a family theater used for movie screenings. The interior is characterized by sophisticated decor, with paintings and plants adorning the spaces.
The White House is one of the most famous buildings in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. However,...
History of the East Wing
The original East Wing was constructed in 1902 and was primarily used to receive visitors and store their belongings. In 1942, a bunker known as the President’s Emergency Operations Center was installed underground, leading to the transformation of a room used to store President Franklin Roosevelt’s wardrobe into a movie theater. Gradually, the East Wing began to be used for storing items like mail. In 1977, the First Lady’s office was established there, and currently, it also houses the Office of White House Social Affairs.
The visitor entrance to the East Wing was constructed in 1942, featuring a large white door that leaves a lasting impression. During the Christmas season, a decorated Christmas tree often enhances the ambiance, adding to the visitors’ excitement.
The visitor lobby is located immediately after entering through the entrance. From there, a staircase and a gentle upward slope lead westward, with several paintings adorning the walls. The lobby’s wooden decor, a rarity within the White House, creates a cozy and calming atmosphere, making it comfortable for first-time visitors.
Beautiful Gardens and Corridors
Within a corner beyond the lobby, there is a Garden Room that offers views of the lush green garden and access to the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. The room’s large windows allow warm sunlight to pour in on sunny days, creating a pleasant spot for sunbathing.
Continuing further beyond the Garden Room leads to a corridor called the East Colonnade. The corridor features white ceilings and walls, well-aligned windows, and lighting, making it visually striking and providing a well-lit and easy-to-walk pathway.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is sometimes used for treaty signing ceremonies and is filled with various flowers such as tulips and hyacinths. It earned its name from Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the 35th President, John F. Kennedy, who renovated the previously neglected garden.
Near the Garden Room and corridor is the Family Theater, used for practicing speeches by the President and for movie screenings, equipped with approximately 40 seats.
Beyond the Garden Room and Theater Room, there is the Visitor’s Foyer, serving as the entrance for visitors to enter the White House Residence. Former President John F. Kennedy himself used this entrance to access the interior of the White House.
Plenty to See! The East Wing, the Eastern Gateway of the White House
The East Wing has a rich history of welcoming visitors to the White House. Its features, such as the beautiful white walls, the picturesque entrance, the corridors, and the gardens in the Garden Room, make it a must-visit spot when touring the White House. If you ever have the opportunity to visit through a tour or other means, be sure to pay attention to the East Wing on the eastern side of the White House.
