The White House

The White House, in Washington

The White House is the residence and the office of the president of the United States, the most famous house of the world. The Washington audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this absolute symbol of American power, whose white façade and portico are known throughout the world.

The most famous house of the world

There it is: the most famous house of the world reveals itself, imposing and dazzling with whiteness. The White House is the official residence and the workplace of the president of the United States, seat of the executive power and one of the most powerful symbols of the American nation. Built at the end of the eighteenth century in an elegant neoclassical style, designed by the architect James Hoban, it is, since the second president of the country, the residence of all the American presidents, who succeed one another there according to the elections. The building was burned by the British troops in 1814, during the war, then rebuilt and enlarged over time, notably with its famous porticos and the Oval Office. Its immaculate façade, its pediment and its columns make of it a universally recognised image, symbol of the presidency and of American democracy. Surrounded by gardens and protected, it is the theatre of the political life of the country and of great events of world history. You admire it from the railings, on the famous Pennsylvania Avenue. A symbol of power and the most famous house of the world, the White House is a must-see stop of the discovery of Washington.

What to see

You admire the official residence and the workplace of the president of the United States, seat of the executive power and most famous house of the world; built at the end of the eighteenth century in neoclassical style by James Hoban, burned by the British in 1814 then rebuilt, its immaculate façade with pediment and columns, sheltering the Oval Office, is universally recognised. The White House is the symbol of American power. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The White House lies on the Pennsylvania Avenue, in Washington, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire it from the railings and the surroundings; the interior visits are very controlled, subject to strict conditions and to a prior booking. It is best to inquire long in advance.

What is the White House in Washington?

The official residence and the workplace of the president of the United States, seat of the executive power and most famous house of the world; built at the end of the eighteenth century in neoclassical style by James Hoban, burned by the British in 1814 then rebuilt, it shelters the Oval Office and is, since the second president, the residence of all the American presidents.

Where is the White House in Washington?

On the Pennsylvania Avenue, in Washington, in the United States.