White House Visitor Center to Reopen After $12.6M Renovation

After two years and a $12.6 million facelift, the new White House Visitor Center will reopen its doors at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

The 16,000-square-foot space is now more energy-efficient with an exhibit design that uses less lighting and power. The bathroom faucets and toilets are low-flow which reduces water usage by 32.5 percent. Accessibility was improved by adding open-captioned videos, audio descriptions of the exhibits and touch-friendly exhibits for those who are visually impaired.

The revitalization will provide visitors with an enhanced self-guided White House tour experience. There are new exhibits and over 90 White House artifacts, including many that have never been on public display before.

“We believe this project is exemplary of what is possible through public-private partnerships,” said Steward McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association.

The National Park Service and the Association paired up to create an engaging and interactive experience for visitors. The Association contributed $7.5 million for the renovations and pledged another $5 million for ongoing updates in the Executive Mansion.

“The White House is one of our nation’s most important icons — this visitor center is dedicated to making it accessible to all, in new and exciting ways. Through the use of rare artifacts, new technologies and innovative displays, it will make the White House experience more meaningful for all who visit Washington,” White House Historical Association Chairman Frederick J. Ryan said.

Photo Credit: National Park Service, White House Historical Association