White House Visitor Center in the Herbert Hoover Building

GENERAL INFORMATION

The White House Visitor Center is by far the most elaborate visitor center in the National Park system, and at 16,000 square feet, undoubtedly the largest. It’s like being inside one of the Smithsonian museums; even the bathrooms are fancy. Its ornateness can be attributed to the fact that it is located in the Herbert Hoover Building (aka Department of Commerce Building), one of the many government buildings within the Federal Triangle in downtown Washington. Constructed in the early 1930s, the building takes up an entire city block. To get to the Visitor Center, head directly to the corner of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. All guests must pass through a security checkpoint—metal detector, everything out of your pockets—though this has nothing to do with Top Secret exhibits in the museum, it’s just that you are entering a Federal building.

Inside the White House Visitor Center

While this review focuses on the White House Visitor Center, there is another location with visitor services located at the northeast corner of the Ellipse called the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion. If all you need is a park brochure or other information, a restroom, or a place to buy a souvenir, forgo the hassle of the security check and stop in here.

Keep in mind that the White House Visitor Center is open to everyone, not just to those who have tickets for a White House Tour.

OPERATING HOURS

The White House Visitor Center and the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion are open daily from 7:30 AM to 4 PM, except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

AMENITIES

• Information desk where you can pick up a free park brochure, walking tour map, and information on other attractions on the National Mall and in the District of Columbia area
• White House museum
• Park film
• Book and souvenir store
• Restrooms

White House Visitor Center gift store

Jewelry items on sale at the White House Visitor Center gift store

PARK FILM

Located at the far end of the Visitor Center is a small theater that is cordoned off from the main exhibit area. A 14-minute film called White House: Reflections From Within shows every twenty minutes. The film features Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush Jr., Ronald Reagan, and a few First Ladies and other family members as they reminisce about their time in the White House. There is no objectionable material, unless you can’t stand one of the above mentioned presidents. The film is suitable for all ages.

White House Visitor Center movie theater

EXHIBIT AREA

The exhibit area at the White House Visitor Center is massive, but the displays are laid out so you never feel smothered by information. What makes this such a fascinating museum to walk through is that it is about people who you’ve heard and read about all of your life. When it comes down to it, the lives of presidents, particularly modern ones whose actions are covered by what amounts to political paparazzi, are as interesting as those of movie and rock stars. (You’ll even find photos of movie and rock stars such as Elvis and Sinatra because many of the top stars have performed at the White House.) As a result, you find yourself reading though the exhibits and looking at the photos far longer than you would at a typical National Park museum.

Information panels cover all sorts of topics and are filled with photos

Information on White House servants and a silver soup tureen purchased by James Monroe

The first exhibit you come to is a model of the White House surrounded by a panel of video screens, all featuring interactive programs. I brought my 10-year-old daughter with me, and this exhibit kept her occupied for some time. You can scroll through a timeline of White House history and see when additions such as the East and West Wings were added, and while you can never see the living quarters of the White House in person unless the President invites you up for a chat, you can take a virtual tour of the rooms, complete with 360° views of everything, even the ceilings and floors.

Model of the White House and interactive video screens

Sasha takes a virtual tour of the Lincoln Bedroom

Interactive video on the history of the White House

Just about every White House topic imaginable is covered on the many information panels, and there are nearly 100 artifacts on display.

Marble clock owned by President Ulysses S. Grant

Chair ordered by President James Monroe in 1817

Place setting used to serve Queen Elizabeth during the American Bicentennial celebration in 1976

Exhibit on the favorite dishes of various presidents

In addition to the park film that is shown in the movie theater, a few video screens are built right into the exhibits. These show short presentations, often nothing more than photo montages. There is one screen that actually has a small bench for you to sit and watch the show.

One of many video exhibits at the White House Visitor Center

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

I spent two hours at the Visitor Center, but I not only watched the film, I read every information panel in the museum. That’s beyond the interest of most people, but I’d still set aside an hour if you want to learn a little about the White House. This gives you time to talk to a Ranger or volunteer at the information desk, see the film, and spend time in the museum. While I haven’t yet been to every National Park, I’ve been to over 200, and the White House Visitor Center is certainly one of my favorites.

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