Inside America's most famous residential address
PoliticsThis is the exterior of the West Wing.
And here's a layout of the West Wing. The West Wing is where the president and his executive staff are based. Some of the rooms within the West Wing are ...
... the Oval Office ...
Probably the most famous room of the White House. The Oval Office, which is located in the West Wing, is the main workplace of the President. The windows are made of bullet-proof glass. Each President may redecorate the room as he wishes.
Source: Around the World: An Atlas for Today
... Cabinet Room ...
The US President meets with his ministers in this room. The sessions are rarely held in the White House. The President sits always at the middle of the table, the Vice President sits in the Oval Office directly opposite him.
... Situation Room ...
... President's Room ...
In the past, the room was used as a workplace for secretaries or the president himself. Today the room is used as a dining room.
... Office of the Vice President ...
... Roosevelt Room ...
... James S. Brady Press Briefing Room ...
... Navy Mess ...
... and the Rose Garden.
The West Colonnade walkway, also referred to as the "45-second commute" by insiders, is used by White House staff to travel between the West Wing and the official residence.
Source: The White House
Here's a closeup of the Residence Villa, which contains both private quarters for the first family and rooms for state events. Some of the rooms within this part of the White House include ...
... the Blue Room ...
Featuring blue upholstery, blue curtains, and blue carpet, the oval-shaped Blue Room has stayed the same color since 1837. Traditionally, the president greets state visitors here.
... the East Room, which is used for large events, like concerts, galas, and also ...
... state receptions, award presentations, and bill-signing ceremonies.
This center portion of the home is also where the first family has its private quarters. Here's a picture of the Treaty Room, where the first family gathered to watch the US women's soccer team in the World Cup Final.
The enclosed East Colonnade runs alongside the family theater toward the East Wing.
Here's a picture of the Obamas hosting a screening of "Red Tails" to Tuskegee Airmen in the White House's 42-seat theater.
The Office of the First Lady is also located in the East Wing. There has been only one exception — then-First Lady Hillary Clinton, who chose to occupy an office in the West Wing, the power center of the White House.
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