Frequently Asked Questions

The People's House: A White House Experience is a cutting-edge educational museum experience that tells the story of the Executive Mansion, its inhabitants and the people who have dedicated their careers to its functions. Through innovative exhibits, objects, and interactive media, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the White House's role in American history. 

This space is operated by the White House Historical Association, a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with a mission to protect, preserve, and provide public access to the rich history of America’s Executive Mansion.

The People's House: A White House Experience is a new educational museum experience located at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue. Passes for the experience do not provide access to the White House, West Wing, or White House Complex.

We are located at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006. Visitors should use the entrance on 17th St., NW. How to get to The People's House.

The People's House is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Last entrance time for the day is 4:00 PM (or 1 hour before closing).

On occasion, The People’s House might be closed for special events and pre-scheduled maintenance. Please visit Contact Us for the most up to date information.

General admission is free, with a suggested $15 donation to support the museum’s mission-driven programs, exhibits, and educational outreach. We recommend reserving your passes in advance of your visit to ensure we can accommodate your party. 

The People's House is located in Washington, D.C., just steps from the White House and directly across the street from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. We recommend visitors utilize the Metro and public transportation as parking is very limited in the area. 

The People’s House is conveniently located near several bus routes and walking distance from two Metrorail stations. The closest Metro stations are Farragut West (~5 minute walk), servicing the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, and Farragut North (~7 minute walk), servicing the Red line.

Getting Here

Please arrive 5 minutes before your selected admission time so you can go through our security check. If you arrive later than your selected time, we may be unable to accommodate your admission based on capacity.

You should expect to spend 60-90 minutes going through the experience.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing. As some areas may be cooler, you might want to bring a light jacket or sweater.

Yes. We will hold personal items found in The People's House for up to 2 weeks. Guests should inquire about missing items at TPHlostandfound@whha.org or at the Visitor Services Desk.

Yes. All visitors will go through mandatory security screening upon entry. Weapons of any kind are not permitted in the experience. Please review our the code of conduct for a more detailed list of prohibited items.

Yes. Visitors may only bring bags that can be worn or carried. Large items, such as luggage and duffle bags, are not permitted in the permanent exhibition. Storage lockers and coat check are not available.

Please see the Code of Conduct for a comprehensive list of prohibited items.  

The People’s House does not allow weapons of any kind (guns, knives, explosives, other dangerous/deadly objects), aerosol cans, pepper spray, mace, scissors, tools, banners, placards, signs, obtrusive camera equipment, selfie sticks. 

Visitors may only bring bags that can be worn or carried. Large items, such as luggage and duffle bags, are not permitted in the permanent exhibition. Storage lockers and coat check are not available.

No. Limited walk-up passes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserving your pass online will ensure you get the day and time of your choice, especially during peak hours. We recommend a donation of $15 per person to support The People’s House.

Please note that we are open every day from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with some exceptions. Last entrance time for the day is 4:00 PM (or 1 hour before closing).

Passes are released by 5pm EST on the first business day of each month for the following month (for example, passes for November will become available by 5pm EST on the first business day in October). 

Please email TPHpasses@whha.org for assistance reserving passes.  

Yes. Each visitor aged 2 and up needs to have their own pass. If your party is 10 people or more, you will need to submit a group passes request form.

Passes are only required for visitors ages 2 and up. Each visitor aged 2 and up must have their own pass.

Yes, The People's House is fully wheelchair accessible. We have a limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow at our Visitor Services Desk. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors. Please contact us in advance at TPHpasses@whha.org if you require any specific accommodations.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The People’s House welcomes service animals. Please note, therapy animals or pets are not allowed.  

The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Therapy animals whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals, even with a doctor’s note.

We are dedicated to ensuring all visitors have an equitable and accessible experience at The People's House. Please reach out to our Visitor Services Team at TPHpasses@whha.org with any questions. 

Please note that The People’s House is a highly immersive experience containing bright and flashing lights and audiovisual features in most galleries.

To ensure a comfortable visit for all guests, only small, collapsible strollers are permitted in most areas of The People's House. Strollers are not permitted in the Oval Office exhibit space. For smaller children, we encourage you to bring an infant carrier or backpack. Wagons and other wheeled carriers are not permitted, except those being used for accessibility purposes in accordance with ADA guidelines.

While we are happy to welcome learners of all ages to The People’s House, children ages 8 and up would likely benefit more from the experience. Please be advised that children aged 17 and under need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Photography is allowed in The People's House – unless signage indicates otherwise. We hope you tag us in your photos @PeoplesHouseDC on all social media!  

For the comfortability of all guests, tripods, selfie sticks, and any obtrusive photography equipment are not permitted. Please respect any "No Photography" signs in certain exhibits. 

Photographs and videos are not permitted for commercial use, unless previously coordinated with our communications team (TPHpress@whha.org). This includes, but is not limited to: Promotional materials, print or broadcast, printed materials, websites, training films, motion pictures.

With respect to the images taken of guests ("IMAGES" means all photographs, video, and audio footage) by entering The People’s House: A White House Experience, guests grant to the The People’s House and White House Historical Association, its affiliates and licensees, and to the Photographer of the images, the following worldwide, perpetual, and irrevocable rights:

-to copyright the images in the name of the WHHA; and

-to use and re-use, publish and re-publish the images, in whole or in part, individually or in conjunction with printed matter, or in composite form, and in any medium, for editorial, commercial, promotional, and/or trade purposes.

Guests waive their rights to inspect or approve any copy that is used in connection with images and release and discharge the WHHA, its affiliates and licensees, and the photographer from any and all claims arising out of use by the WHHA, its affiliates and licensees, of the images for the purposes described above, including any claims for libel and invasion of privacy.

Commercial, professional, and documentary style photography, filming, and recording must be scheduled in advance with our Communications staff by emailing tphpress@whha.org, but is otherwise not permitted.

Photography, video, and other content is permitted for private, noncommercial, and educational use only.

To protect the exhibits, only water is permitted at The People’s House. Water should be in a closed container (water bottle, thermos). Chewing gum, unwrapped or open food and beverages are not allowed in the exhibition spaces.

Yes, we have a gift shop featuring a wide selection of books, souvenirs, and White House-inspired merchandise. The shop is located near the exit of the experience; however you can access the shop from our 17th street entrance without a pass.

The People's House is a free, self-guided experience. We do not offer guided tours. The People's House: A White House Experience is not responsible for transactions, tours, or information provided by any third-party company.

We welcome school groups, corporate groups, and large parties to visit The People's House. Visit our Group Visits page to learn more about our large group offerings or contact our Visitor Services team at TPHreservations@whha.org to arrange your visit.

If you need to change your existing group reservation/request or no longer plan to visit, please email TPHreservations@whha.org.

Becoming a member of the White House Historical Association provides you with exclusive benefits, including special event invitations, and discounts at our gift shop. Learn more about our membership options and become a member here: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/support

Your support helps us preserve and share the history of the White House. Donations can be made online, by mail, or in-person at The People's House. We also offer sponsorship opportunities for exhibitions and educational programs.