The White House

The White House is the one of the great architectural achievements of the eighteenth century. It stands as a symbol of the United States presidency and has served as the executive residence and offices of the president since 1800 under the presidency of John Adams.

The name, White House, became the building’s official title when President Theodore Roosevelt had "White House–Washington" engraved on his stationery in 1901. Prior to that it was known as the “President’s Palace” or the “Presidential Mansion.”

The White House is open for self-guided group tours, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday (excluding Federal Holidays). A group consists of 10 or more people.

To reserve a White House tour, a request must be submitted through one’s member of Congress. It is encouraged to submit a tour request up to six months in advance. After the request is submitted a tour time will be scheduled one month prior to the requested date. Tour times are limited and available on a first come basis.

Please note that all White House Washington DC Tours are subject to last minute cancellation. To confirm a tour time call the White House Tours help-line at 202-456-7041, 24 hours before a scheduled tour time. 

All tours are free. For more information, including access and considerations for the mobility, hearing and visually impaired, as well as items prohibited on tours please visit the White House Web site.  

If you are in the Washington D.C. area and want to know more about the history of the White House, including its furnishings, architecture, first families and relations with the press and world leaders, visit the White House Visitor Center. It is located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m.