White House Historical Association Opens “The People’s House: A White House Experience”
The White House Historical Association recently opened its groundbreaking educational center, The People’s House: A White House Experience, in Washington, D.C., on September 23. This immersive space offers visitors a unique look into the history of the Executive Mansion, its residents, and the dedicated staff who keep its operations running smoothly.
Located just steps away from the White House at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, this 33,000-square-foot, three-story center brings the legacy of the White House to life. Visitors can explore a large-scale model of the White House, a recreation of the iconic Rose Garden, a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, and interactive exhibits that capture key moments in White House history. With immersive media and creative displays, the center provides an engaging and in-depth experience.
Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, expresses his excitement for the center, saying, “There’s nothing quite like The People’s House in Washington, D.C. It’s a transformative, technology-driven experience designed to evolve with each presidency and keep White House history relevant for all generations.”
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who was actively involved in the project, commemorated the opening, hoping that the center becomes a complement to White House public tours. She says, “This new immersive education center takes visitors on an incredible journey, using technology and innovation to bring White House history to life. I’m excited to see it opening to the public, and I hope school groups and students of all ages will come to learn more about life in the White House and those who serve the American people.”
The People’s House serves as a dynamic space where history and innovation meet, allowing visitors to connect with the stories and traditions that have shaped American democracy.
The People’s House: A White House Experience features the following engaging exhibits that are on permanent display year-round:
The People’s House opening
Credit The People’s House
- Watch as a 1:5-scale replica of the White House’s South facade transforms to tell the rich history of the Executive Mansion, including the architectural story from 1790 to present day.
- Walk in the president’s footsteps and experience the 45-second commute to the Oval Office as they pass the Cabinet Room and Rose Garden.
- Experience the rooms of the State Floor–the East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room and State Dining Room–through 360° immersive projection.
- Walk through a representation of the Rose Garden, snap a picture in front of the garden mural, and experience what it’s like to be welcomed on the South Lawn for a ceremony.
- Take a seat behind the Resolute Desk in a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, furnished with reproductions of the art, objects, and furniture that adorn the president’s office.
- Interact with framed digital portraits of White House staff to hear and see reflections from people who have held positions in the Executive Mansion.
- Experience the White House as a space for governing, entertaining, and living through three distinct immersive media experiences.
- Interact with objects to uncover the overlooked and extraordinary stories from White House history.
Housed in a beautifully renovated building designed by Gensler, the team behind its architectural transformation, The People’s House offers an engaging and interactive way to explore one of the world’s most iconic institutions. The exhibits, curated by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, bring White House history to life in fresh and exciting ways. Alongside the exhibits, visitors can explore a 1,500-square-foot flagship retail store that features the Association’s beloved collections, as well as new items exclusive to the space. Above the exhibit and retail areas is a new educational wing, specifically designed for students and other groups to delve deeper into the rich history and stories presented.
Sumita Aurora, Principal at Gensler, expressed the significance of this project, sharing, “It’s been a truly rewarding experience working alongside the White House Historical Association and a talented design team to bring The People’s House to fruition. This three-story interactive exhibit offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore the White House and its global significance. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to discover its incredible history and the dedicated staff behind the scenes.”
Nick Appelbaum, President and CEO of Ralph Appelbaum Associates, added, “We’ve created a media-rich, immersive journey through White House history. Our collaboration with the Association has revealed so many untold stories, and with new technology, we’re able to share them in ways that resonate with visitors of all ages.”
In celebration of The People’s House opening, the White House Historical Association commissioned renowned 3-D pop artist Charles Fazzino to create a special commemorative artwork. His vibrant piece, titled The People’s House: A Quilt of White House History, is on display at the center.
The People’s House is now open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Admission is free, though visitors are encouraged to reserve passes in advance via thepeopleshouse.org to ensure entry. A suggested donation supports the center’s mission to provide educational programs and maintain its exhibits.
In addition to regular visits, The People’s House offers specialized field trip experiences for students and tailored programs for corporate and adult groups. The interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art classrooms create dynamic learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of the White House’s pivotal role in American history.
