This new immersive experience lets you walk through the White House
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The space contains a full-size replica of the Oval Office. Photo: Courtesy of White House Historical Association
A new interactive White House exhibit located a block away from the actual Executive Mansion is now open to the public, per a release.
Why it matters: The educational space relies on tech to create an immersive experience so visitors feel like they're actually walking through 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
State of play: The People's House: A White House Experience is a privately funded, $85 million project led by the White House Historical Association.
- The space aims to educate visitors about the history and function of the White House and the people who keep it running.
Zoom in: Inside the 33,000-square-foot, three-story building, you'll find a series of interactive exhibits and galleries, such as:
- A large-scale model of the Executive Mansion and a replica of its South facade, which transforms to illustrate its architectural history.
- Immersive set-ups that let you experience the president's commute to the Oval Office or sit in on a cabinet meeting and take you through spaces like the State Dining Room and Rose Garden.
- A full-scale replica of the Oval Office, where visitors can sit behind the Resolute Desk for selfies.
- Interactive portraits of White House staff like cooks and ushers that tell their stories from working there.
Plus: The space has a 1,500-square-foot retail store and an educational wing for students and groups.
The intrigue: Because the space is so tech-reliant, its exhibits can shift to feature moments from future administrations.
If you go: The galleries and exhibits are free. Guests are encouraged to get timed passes, as entry is limited to 25 visitors per every 15 minutes.
- It's located at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
