Copyright: National Park Service
President's Park (White House)
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Description - The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, was originally constructed in 1792-1800, the work of James Hoban. It was reconstructed in 1815 after being burned by British soldiers during the War of 1812. It has been the home of every president of the United States since John Adams. The exterior of the main structure, despite some additions and minor changes, remains much as it was in 1800. The interior has been completely renovated using the historic floor plan. It is significant for its Federal architecture, as a symbol of the presidency, and for the important decisions made within its walls over the years.
Attractions
- The White House Visitor Center has six permanent exhibits relating to the White House including the First Families, Symbols & Images, White House Architecture, White House Interiors, Working White House and Ceremonies and Celebrations. A variety of exhibits change frequently during the year. They can be viewed daily. Features of the Visitor Center include exhibits, tickets, information and sales area, restrooms, telephones, water fountains, and First Aid area. Each is handicapped accessible. Special programs include park ranger talks, military concerts, and traveling exhibits. The Ellipse Visitor Pavilion includes several Memorials, Monuments and Statues including the Boy Scout Memorial, Bulfinch Gatehouses, Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain, Enid Haupt Fountains, First Division Monument, Second Division Memorial, Original Patentees of District of Columbia, National Christmas Tree, and Zero Milestone. Facilities include information, concessions, sales area, restrooms, telephones, water fountains, and First Aid area. Each is handicapped accessible.
Recreation - Self-guided White House tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to noon. It is closed for tours on Sunday, Monday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Please note that the White House may close with little notice due to official functions. The White House Visitor Center is open daily from 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Ellipse Visitor Pavilion is open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Climate - Washington, D.C. experiences four distinct seasons. Winters can be bitterly cold or pleasantly mild while summers can be miserably hot and humid or agreeably warm. The average January temperature is 37 degrees F (3 degrees C). The average July temperature is 78 degrees F (26 degrees C). Spring and fall are pleasant times of the year to visit the area, temperatures are mild with low humidity. Location -
The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C. The White House Visitor Center is located in the north end of the Department of Commerce Building between 14th & 15th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The Ellipse Visitor Pavilion is located on the Ellipse, south of the White House. The nearest intersection is on 15th & E Streets, NW.
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Tours of the White House are currently being scheduled for school and youth groups grades one through 12 and organized U.S. military and veteran groups. Group requests may be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are scheduled from 7:45 AM to 10:30 AM Tuesday through Saturday. Updated: 2003-05-06 13:51:00.0
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