White House
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White House: Tours & Tickets
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Top sights in Washington, DC
Architectural Facts About The White House
The architecture of the White House is classical while regal, honoring royal British and ancient Greek times. In a neoclassical and Palladian style, the presidential residence has seen many changes throughout its history.
1. The Men Behind The House
The inspiration for the building came from the only president that didn’t live there, George Washington, who designed it like an English country house with architect James Hoban.
2. The First Resident
John Adams moved into the White House in 1800 for just 4 short months at the end of his term. With over 100 rooms, Adams frequently commented the residence was "too big."
3. Fire in 1814
In the War of 1812, British troops marched to Washington and set the White House ablaze, destroying everything but the outer walls. Hoban restored it by 1817.
4. How The White House Was Named
The building was first painted white after the fire. Although commonly called the “White House,” it wasn’t official until 1902 when Theodore Roosevelt made it so.
5. Withstanding The Test of Time
Despite a second great fire, the same outer walls and classical style that Hoban designed remain intact today -- a cultural icon that has withstood over 200 years.
Planning Your Visit
Inside the White House
Tours through the White House are in fact available. The tour is free and self-guided, but requires quite a bit of planning in advance. It’s required to apply through your member of Congress or foreign U.S. Embassy 6 months to 21 days in advance. Find your representative here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.
When You Can’t Plan Ahead
Alternatively, if timing doesn’t allow, the White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. is open 7 days a week until 4:00PM. Here you’ll find exhibits and more information on this history behind the building and its legendary residents.
Good to know
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- When should I visit?
- Tues - Thurs 7:30AM to 11:30AM. Fri - Sat 7:30AM to 1:30PM.
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- Is it expensive?
- Free!
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- Will I need a guide?
- Nope! Hard as it is to believe, you can roam the White House alone!
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- How to get there
- Take the Metrorail to Federal Triangle or Metro Center.
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- Additional information
- There are a number of prohibited items so be sure to take a gander at the rules and regulations before you visit.
What people are saying about White House
My family, ages 16 to 42, went on the 6 pm tour of the National Mall. All the monuments lit up at night were beautiful! Georgia was an amazing tour guide and very knowledgeable! The segways were very easy to ride and Georgia's instructions were great! I would definitely recommend this tour!
Our Guide Nick, was personable and so knowledgeable. He talked about all sights and monuments. He had a great sense of humor...his jokes although he warned they were bad...were really funny
Our tour guide, Sally, was exceptional. She had a wealth of information about all the sites, and drove safely despite heavy rain. I highly recommend her to any visitors to D.C.
Dean, our tour guide was Exceptional with the knowledge of Washington DC. He went above and beyond. He had an answer to every question about the history of DC!
Excellent experience. Best part of our vacation. Dean was amazing, and full of knowledge. Highly recommend this tour!
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