Why is the Oval Office oval? - White House Historical Association
The Oval Office has been the main office for the president since President William Howard Taft began working in it in October 1909. After his inauguration, President Taft held a competition to select an architect to enlarge and make permanent the West Wing's "temporary" Executive office built during Theodore Roosevelt's administration.
Decorate Your Own Oval Office - White House Historical Association
Since 1965, the White House Historical Association has been proud to fund the official portraits of our presidents and first ladies, a long-standing tradition of the White House Collection.
What is the Resolute Desk? - White House Historical Association
The desk was first used in the Oval Office during the presidency of John F. Kennedy. When President Lyndon B. Johnson selected another desk for the Oval Office, the Resolute Desk became part of a traveling exhibition and then went on to the Smithsonian, where it was displayed from 1966 to 1977.
Oval Office, Biden Administration - White House Historical …
Jun 9, 2021 · This photograph of the Oval Office during the Joseph R. Biden administration was taken on June 9, 2021 by Bruce White. Before 1909, the president's office was located in the Executive Mansion. During the William H. Taft administration, the West Wing doubled in size from the 1902 renovation and included a presidential oval office.
The President's Office - White House Historical Association
Discover where in the White House the president's office has been located, how different presidents used these spaces, and why the Oval Office was created. Anywhere Activity: Decorate Your Own Oval Office
What are the dimensions of the Oval Office? - White House …
The White House Grounds began as approximately 85 acres of land chosen by George Washington and were cultivated by garden-loving President Thomas Jefferson. These shifting grounds around the Executive Mansion have seen retaining walls, green houses, vegetable gardens, and beautiful flowers.
Has every president worked in the Oval Office? - White House …
No! The Oval Office has been the primary presidential workspace since 1909, when President William Howard Taft worked in the first iteration of the Oval Office. Prior to the expansion of the West Wing, presidents worked elsewhere in the White House.
Furnishing and Maintaining the White House Collection
As of late, most Presidents rely on the White House collections of furniture, rugs, portraits, and objects to furnish the residence and the Oval Office. Others, such as Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, have declined to use the appropriated money in favor of using private funds.
Oval Office, Barack Obama Administration - White House …
This photograph of the Oval Office by Bruce White was taken in 2010 during the Barack Obama administration. President Obama used the Resolute desk, popular among modern presidents, and displayed a bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Augustus Saint-Gauden's bust of President Abraham Lincoln.
White House Historical Association to Open “The People’s House: …
Sep 20, 2024 · Watch as a 1:5-scale replica of the White House’s South facade transforms to tell the rich history of the Executive Mansion, including the architectural story from 1790 to present day. Walk in the president’s footsteps and experience the 45-second commute to the Oval Office as they pass the Cabinet Room and Rose Garden.