Which wing of the white house is open to the public

In , the second president, John Adams, became the first president to move in. The day after moving in, he wrote a letter to his wife, containing a prayer for the house. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.

During the War of , British troops raided the White House and burned it down. There was a party planned that evening and the White House tables were already set for a feast, so the troops made sure to eat and drink before setting the building ablaze. The White House was soon rebuilt and up until the early 20th century, it was actually open to the public and open houses were held regularly.

These open houses and parties often got rowdy. President Andrew Jackson actually had to leave the White House in order to stay at a nearby hotel after a party of an estimated 20, people refused to let the party end.

While the average person can no longer just walk in, it has become the place to stay for important foreign dignitary while visiting Washington. Prime Minister of England, Winston Churchill, once stayed for 24 days and the staff had to make many adjustments to his odd behaviors.

It was the jumpsuit or nothing. In his room, Mr. Churchill wore no clothes at all most of the time during the day. The White House eventually became overcrowded, so President Theodore Roosevelt had all the work offices relocated to the newly constructed West Wing in He also officially changed the name to the White House.

Additions continue to be made for most new presidents, which generally include sports and recreational changes, some of these include:. While there are a lot of perks paid for by the American taxpayer, it may provide some comfort to know that the president, his wife, and family are charged for every meal and other incidentals, such as toiletries and dry cleaning.

It now has rooms spread out over 55, square feet, with 16 bedrooms and 35 bathrooms. Current status: Call the hour information line at Public tours of the White House are free of charge and can be scheduled through your congressional representative.

Refer to the ticketing section for details. After passing through the security screening area, guests will enter the East Wing of the White House and proceed down the East Colonnade following the route to the Residence depicted on the White House tour map below.

The Family Theater is now included as part of the self-guided public White House tour. White House Tour Photos. In , the White House lifted its longstanding camera and photo ban on public tours. Guests are now welcome to take photos throughout the White House tour route and are encouraged to share their photos using the hashtag WhiteHouseTour. Phones and compact still cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are allowed.

While the standard public tour is interesting for architectural and historical reasons, nothing can beat the excitement of the West Wing Tour. These coveted tours are led by knowledgeable members of the White House staff and Secret Service. They take you into the working areas of the White House and allow you to witness our democracy in action. From the West Wing Tour booklet: "In , President Theodore Roosevelt relocated his office from the second floor of the residence to this newly constructed building.

Seated reservations are available to senior officials including commissioned officers, Cabinet Secretaries, and their guests. Staff located in the West and East Wing can enjoy food made in the Navy Mess from a take-out window located adjacent to the dining hall.

Months after being sworn into office, President John F. Kennedy was confronted with the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba and insisted that intelligence information feed directly into the White House. Televisions for secure video conferences and technology can link the President to generals and world leaders around the globe. The open columned walkway is now used by the President and his staff to travel between the West Wing and the Executive Residence.

The White House Kitchen Garden includes over 50 kinds of vegetables, as well as berries, herbs, and a beehive. In the Cabinet Room, the President meets with the Cabinet Secretaries, members of Congress, the National Security Council, and foreign Heads of State on topics ranging from energy efficiency to national security. When the President meets around the large mahogany table with the Cabinet Secretaries, each is assigned a chair based on the date their department was established with the oldest Cabinet departments seated closest to the center.

The President sits at the center of the table with his back to the Rose Garden doors and opposite the Vice President. As a reflection of their inspiration and governing style, Presidents select the portraits that hang in the Cabinet Room. Truman to join the portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt already displayed in the room. As the official office of the President and his primary place of work, the Oval Office provides the President with easy access to his senior advisors and the Executive Residence.

Beyond its distinctive shape, the most famous feature of the Oval Office is the Resolute Desk. Made from timbers of the H. Hayes in Since then, the desk has been used by every President with the exception of Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Other notable furnishings in the Oval Office are the two paintings that flank the south windows.