The White House Visitor's Center

You know, there are many, many rooms in the White House you cannot even visit if you get that thrilling tour of this most famous of American mansions.  The oval office is one of these elusive rooms. Many of us feel we have been there through presidential addresses or perhaps the movies.  So it may be disappointing to step right onto the lawn and into the foyer of this beautiful home only to realize you won't be seeing its most famous room of all.

Did you know this home has approximately 35 bathrooms?  Imagine how many rooms there must be to go with that, and your tour only includes about 8 of them.  But never fear, there is another way to get the White House experience.  It's called the White House Visitor's Center.  It is a great addition to Washington D.C. educational tours that do include the White House tour.  But it is also a nice supplement if you aren't able to step inside the luxurious home itself.

The Visitor's Center has a 30 minute video that plays throughout the day and gives you an intimate glimpse into the White House.  There are exhibits and displays featuring the detailed grandeur of the White House, its social events, and its relations with world leaders.  You'll find interesting antecdotes about the first families who have lived there.

Speaking of the Oval Office, did you know each president chooses his own design for the rug there?  The presidential seal rests in the middle, but the rest of the colors and design are chosen by the current resident.  The White House Visitor's Center can enlighten you on trivia like this and even show it to you in a way the White House tour cannot.

One more thing you should know - you won't be able to take photos in the White House itself.  So consider the benefit of receiving the beautiful White House brochure from the Visitor's Center.  It will help you commemorate your White House tour should you receive one.  The White House is arguably the most prominent Washington D.C. landmark.  And the Visitor's Center is one of the best ways to experience it.