The White House is one of the most renowned residences in the world, and most people have seen it at least once on television or in other media. It offers regular tours to the public, allowing visitors to explore the corridors where past presidents walked and the grand halls where they entertained guests from around the world. The South Balcony is well-known, but the North Portico, serving as the main entrance, is equally impressive. In this article, we will introduce the beauty of the White House’s North Portico and the equally majestic Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The White House is one of the most famous buildings in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. However,...
Overwhelming Ionic Modern-Style Columns!
Located to the north of the White House, the North Portico (a central hall-style entrance) greets visitors with stunning Ionic Modern-style columns. It maintains the Federal style while incorporating unique designs that suit the original building. In the late Victorian era, Louis C. Tiffany installed Tiffany glass in the windows, but they were removed during renovations in 1902.
The seemingly dazzling white walls are actually close to pure white cream color, a deliberate choice to ensure that they do not appear bluish against the backdrop of a sunny sky, making the white color stand out even more. Upon closer inspection, visitors can also find delicate decorations. In inclement weather, a small glass-covered corridor is placed at the front entrance to prevent cold air from entering the entrance hall.
When you visit Washington, D.C., you will have the opportunity to se...
The Magnificence of the North Portico Stands Out
Stepping out of the front entrance with the North Portico behind, visitors are greeted by beautifully landscaped greenery. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building can be seen on the left, while Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Square are visible in the front.
Similar to the south side of the White House, this area near the front entrance also attracts many tourists who come for photography. The grandeur of the North Portico stands out even more when viewed from a distance, surrounded by tall trees and neatly trimmed lawns.
During the time when visitors are present, Pennsylvania Avenue on the north side is closed to traffic, ensuring that tourists can get a close view of the magnificent residence. After the tour, visitors exit through a dedicated gate and then merge into the general area by passing the north side of the Department of the Treasury.
One must-visit location in Washington, D.C. is the White House. The ...
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is Also Impressive
In movies and other works, the U.S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting the President, is often portrayed. With over 6,000 employees, it includes special agents and uniformed divisions, as well as technical and administrative departments. The uniformed division is responsible for the President’s protection, not only at the White House but also at the Vice President’s residence, the Department of the Treasury, and U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad in Washington, D.C.
Of course, the Secret Service also guards the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which houses the Vice President’s office, the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Security Council staff. Completed in 1888, the building adopts the popular Second Empire architectural style from Europe. Being a large-scale building, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building has been designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark and offers a visually striking appearance.
One of the attractions in Washington, D.C., is the Eisenhower Executiv...
The Equally Impressive Central Hall Entrance on the South Side is a Must-See
Visiting the inside of the White House, which is not easily accessible, offers an opportunity to appreciate the magnificent Western architectural styles of both the South Balcony and the central hall entrance on the front side. The overwhelming presence of the Ionic Modern-style columns, rare in Japan, attracts many tourists to take commemorative photos not only at the South Balcony but also in the vicinity of the front entrance. How about enjoying a tour of the White House as a memorable part of your trip to Washington D.C.?
