White House, Presidential residence and office in Northwest Washington DC, United States.
The sandstone structure covers 5,100 square meters (55,000 square feet) with 132 rooms spread across six floors above ground and two basement levels, containing both residential quarters and administrative offices separated by the central executive corridor.
Architect James Hoban designed the neoclassical building constructed from 1792 to 1800 under President Washington's supervision. Following the 1814 burning by British troops, reconstruction directed by Hoban finished in 1817, establishing the signature white exterior coating.
The executive residence functions as the president's official workplace and hosts state receptions where foreign dignitaries meet with American leadership, shaping international relations and domestic policy announcements.
Tours must be requested through congressional representatives at least 21 days ahead and occur on Friday and Saturday mornings only. 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 connect the building to nearby government structures, allowing secure staff movement. 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 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 20500 Washington
Phone: +12024561111
Website: https://whitehouse.gov
GPS coordinates: 38.89778,-77.03667
Latest update: November 27, 2025 18:45
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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