White House public tour gets makeover with ‘reimagined’ visitor experience
The White House public tour is getting an extreme makeover, with new digital exhibits, an expanded route and more access to rooms poised to be part of the “reimagined” experience for visitors.
The revamped tour, unveiled Monday, was an effort two years in the making, according to first lady Jill Biden’s office.
“When Joe became President, I took a look at the public tour, which I’m told hasn’t seen any significant improvements in decades, and thought there has to be a way to reimagine this tour experience, add more educational content and story-telling, while also preserving and protecting its history,” Biden said in a statement.
“So, we did,” she said.
(Judy Kurtz)
For the first time, the Diplomatic Reception Room — which is traditionally used to welcome foreign dignitaries — will be open to the public as part of the White House tour. Visitors also will be allowed to step further into rooms, rather than just peek inside the previously roped-off areas.
Another part of the modernized metamorphosis includes new, interactive signs that will include welcome videos from President Biden and Jill Biden.
Permanent digital displays, known as a “living timeline,” will also replace static photographs and images in the East Colonnade.
“The graphic and media displays at each archway will showcase various ‘eras’ of American history, segmented to capture historic moments of the White House and the presidency,” according to the White House.
(Judy Kurtz)
The updates will also include a new 3D illuminated model of the White House complex and “key stages in its evolution” that will show the architectural history of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
“More than 10,000 visitors come through these doors each week on the public tour and it’s such an opportunity for students of all ages to learn about our country’s history, civics, and the lives of Presidents and their families,” Jill Biden said of the public tour overhaul.
Jill Biden said she worked with the National Park Service, the White House Historical Association, The History Channel, and the White House Curator’s Office to make the revamp a reality.
(Judy Kurtz)
“I’ve been a classroom teacher for 40 years, and I know learning has to be interactive and engaging,” said the first lady, who’s also a professor at Northern Virginia Community College.
“It has to evoke the senses, and you have to meet students where they are, giving them what they need to spark their curiosity and imagination,” she added.
“We hope the tour inspires everyone who visits the White House to learn more about our shared history.
—Updated at 3:20 p.m.
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