White House, Presidential residence and office in Northwest Washington DC, United States.
The White House is the official residence of the American president in Washington and comprises a sandstone structure with 132 rooms across six floors above ground and two basement levels, where living quarters and administrative offices are separated by a central corridor. Rooms arrange themselves around a middle hallway that divides public reception spaces from private family areas.
Architect James Hoban designed the neoclassical building constructed between 1792 and 1800 under President Washington's supervision. After British troops set fire to it in 1814, reconstruction directed by Hoban finished in 1817, creating the signature white exterior coating.
The presidential residence serves as a workplace and receives foreign heads of state during official occasions when ceremonies shape relationships between nations. Visitors experience the formal atmosphere of these reception rooms while the building remains deeply rooted in American public consciousness.
Tours must be requested through congressional representatives at least 21 days in advance and take place only on Friday and Saturday mornings. Visitors undergo security screening and cannot bring bags larger than 8 by 6 by 4 inches (20 by 15 by 10 centimeters), cameras with detachable lenses, or food items.
Underground tunnels link the building to nearby government structures and allow secure staff movement between locations. President Truman added a second floor balcony in 1948 despite public criticism, while solar panels installed during the Obama administration generate electricity for heating water throughout the complex.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Inception: 18 century
Architects: James Hoban
Official opening: November 1, 1800
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Floors above the ground: 4
Height: 21.33 m
Length: 51.2 m
Width: 46.3 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Part of: White House Complex
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
Phone: +12024561111
Website: https://whitehouse.gov
GPS coordinates: 38.89778,-77.03667
Latest update: December 2, 2025 21:25
Washington DC, the capital of the United States, houses the three branches of federal government and the nation's most significant political institutions. The White House serves as the presidential residence, while the Capitol building hosts Congress and the Supreme Court represents the judicial branch. The National Mall extends 2 miles (3 kilometers) and connects historic monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument, which commemorate the nation's founders. The city holds an exceptional concentration of museums, many belonging to the Smithsonian Institution and offering free admission. The National Air and Space Museum displays the history of aviation and space exploration, while the National Gallery of Art presents an extensive collection of European and American art. The Library of Congress preserves over 170 million items and ranks as the largest library in the world. Memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial honor significant events and figures in American history. Historic districts like Georgetown and Embassy Row, along with green spaces such as the Tidal Basin and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, complement the capital's cultural and natural offerings.
These palaces serve as official seats for monarchs and presidents. The buildings combine historical architecture with political function and document the evolution of state power. The rooms and gardens showcase various architectural styles and political periods of their respective countries.
Washington D.C is more than just the White House and the presidency of the United States. The city contains a collection of iconic monuments, national museums, and government buildings that represent American history and culture. Here, we suggest stepping off the beaten path and discovering the city from another perspective, away from the noise of American politics.
Resolute desk
81 m
Oval Office
76 m
Executive Residence
23 m
White House Situation Room
91 m
White House Rose Garden
49 m
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
84 m
Lincoln Bedroom
30 m
East Room
23 m
Blue Room
34 m
Roosevelt Room
91 m
President's Bedroom
10 m
Cabinet Room
71 m
Red Room
34 m
White House basement
25 m
White House Christmas tree
34 m
Green Room
39 m
Truman Balcony
31 m
White House to Treasury Building tunnel
148 m
Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
58 m
Map Room
20 m
South Lawn
93 m
State Dining Room
20 m
White House Peace Vigil
125 m
Vermeil Room
37 m
Cross Hall
30 m
West Sitting Hall
67 m
White House Library
33 m
North Lawn
58 mReviews
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