White House Visitors Office

White House Visitors Office is a government office near Lafayette Square that manages public tours of the presidential residence. The office operates from a separate building and coordinates access to select rooms in the East Wing and ground level.

The tradition of welcoming citizens to the residence began in 1789 under President Washington and continued through the centuries. The current office was established in the 20th century when a formalized system for public visits was introduced.

The office coordinates access to formal reception halls where paintings and furniture from different periods of American history are displayed. Visitors walk through rooms still used for official receptions and state ceremonies.

Visitors must submit requests through their Congressional representative between 21 and 90 days before their chosen date. Confirmation usually arrives a few weeks before the visit, and it is advisable not to book travel until approval is received.

Security officers stationed in each room provide explanations about architectural details and events that took place in those spaces. Staff also answer questions about objects and their origins.