Photo courtesy of Niblock Studios
A replica of the Oval Office, from the exhibit "The People's House."
The White House Historical Association on Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of The People’s House: A White House Experience, a cutting-edge museum experience that tells the story of the Executive Mansion, its inhabitants, and the people who have dedicated their careers to its functions. To date, The People’s House has welcomed more than 273,000 guests to explore presidential history.
Special visitors from the first year include Martin Sheen of West Wing, the stars of The Residence, the Oakland Athletics, former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and President Donald J. Trump, in addition to thousands of students, families, and tourists.
Photo courtesy of White House Historical Association
A model of the White House from "The People's House" exhibit.
Situated on 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, less than a block away from the White House, the 33,000-square-foot, three-floor site features exhibits and galleries that bring the White House and its storied history to life.
Already, the experience has evolved to reflect key moments, stories, and scenes as they become part of our nation's story. On July 23, 2025, the exhibit transitioned its full-scale replica of the Oval Office from former President Joe Biden’s office to President Trump’s first-term Oval Office (2017-2021). Its next transition will depict President Trump’s current Oval Office.
The People’s House has allowed a diverse range of visitors a glimpse into life at the White House through its immersive exhibits. Approximately 58 percent of visitors have ventured from outside D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and more than 521 student groups have toured the exhibit.
Photo courtesy of White House Historical Association
A reenactment of a State Dinner at the White House from "The People's House" exhibit.
“The People’s House: A White House Experience opens the doors to our shared history, encouraging visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore it on a personal, engaging level,” said Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association. McLaurin recently released his fourth book, The People’s House Miscellany: The People’s House Miscellany: A Treasury of White House History, Fun Facts, and Things to Know, as an encapsulation of the many facts and figures that define the Executive Mansion.
To celebrate its first year, The People’s House will host a birthday-themed scavenger hunt from Friday, Sept. 26 to Monday, Sept. 29.More information can be found here. Whether visitors are returning regulars or first-time guests, all are welcome to come and learn more about America's iconic Executive Mansion.
Photo courtesy of the White House Historical Association
A dollhouse provides a glimpse of what White House interiors looked like through the years.
Looking ahead, The People’s House will continue to welcome even more visitors through its halls, develop new exhibition updates, and offer expanded evening programing to continue sharing the rich history of the White House.
The People’s House’s year-round exhibits invite visitors to:
- Watch as a 1 to 5-scale replica of the White House’s South Facade transforms to tell the rich history of the Executive Mansion, including a welcome message from First Lady Melania Trump and the architectural story from 1790 to present day.
- Walk in the president’s footsteps and experience the 45-second commute to the Oval Office.
- Experience the State Floor, East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room through 360-degree immersive projections.
- 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 the White House staff to hear and see reflections from people who have held positions in the Executive Mansion.
- Sit in on a meeting in the Cabinet Room to participate in historic conversations.
- Experience the White House as a space for governing, entertaining, and living.
- Interact with objects to uncover the overlooked and extraordinary stories from White House history.
The People’s House is open to the public seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To gain entry, visitors should reserve passes in advance to ensure the entire party can be accommodated. General admission is free, with a suggested donation to support mission-driven programs, exhibits, and educational outreach.
The People's House offers a selection of field trip experiences for student learners or experiences geared toward corporate and adult groups. The interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art classrooms provide opportunities to engage and inspire visitors of all ages.
For additional information and to reserve timed passes, please visit thepeopleshouse.org.
About the White House Historical Association
The White House Historical Association was founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to support her vision to restore and preserve the Executive Mansion and its legacy for generations to come. Mrs. Kennedy sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has contributed more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.
