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The Cross Hall connects the main rooms and parlors on the State Floor. It is used as an elegant thoroughfare and more recently as a gallery for presidential portraits. Next to it is the Entrance Hall remains largely faithful to James Hoban’s original design. The hall is also adorned with portraits of former presidents. Learn more about the history of
The State Dining Room is often the setting for State or Official Dinners, and it is the second largest room in the White House. The room was expanded in 1902 during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency and rebuilt during the Harry S. Truman renovation in 1948-1952. Join White House Historical Association historian, Lina Mann as she tells the history of the State Di
The Red Room is one of three state parlors named after a color, with the designated red dating back to 1845 during the James K. Polk administration. The room is largely filled with 1830s American "Empire" or "Grecian" style furniture, most of which was made in upstate New York. Join White House Historical Association historian Lina Mann as she shares the
The Green Room was named by President James Monroe in 1818 and has Federal style furnishings. The elegant but relaxed parlor is used for small gatherings, interviews, and teas. Learn more about the history of the Green Room with White House Historical Association historian, Lina Mann in this short video, made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities:
The East Room is the largest room in the White House. Grand yet sparsely decorated, it is used primarily for common gatherings such as conferences, announcements, and bill signings. It has hosted celebratory events such as receptions, performances, and weddings; and on occasion more somber ones such as funerals. Join White House Historical Association historian Dr. Matthew Costello as he
The Library contains over 2,700 books, representing classic works in American history, literature, and philosophy. The room is sometimes used for interviews and televised addresses by the president. Dive into the history of the Library with White House Historical Association historian, Dr. Matthew Costello in this short video, made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the
The Ground Floor Corridor stretches the length of the Executive Mansion, connecting the East Wing to the West Wing. Before Theodore Roosevelt’s 1902 renovation, the corridor was a dimly lit hallway leading to various service spaces. Edith Roosevelt suggested turning it into a gallery for the portraits of first ladies, and it remains so today. Join White House Historical Association hi
The Blue Room is famous for its oval shape, central location, and views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial through the South Portico windows. For many administrations, it has historically served as the space for receiving guests to the White House. Learn more about the history of the Blue Room with White House Historical Association historian, Dr. Matthew Costello
Join the National Portrait Gallery Senior Historian and Director of Research, Publications, and Scholarly Programs Dr. Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw as she discusses images of the newly-installed First Ladies exhibit, “Every Eye is Upon Me.” This exhibit is the largest portraiture display featuring First Ladies to take place outside of the White House. Dr. Shaw will discuss her curation of the exhi