This room is queen bedded and contains a desk, two chairs, TV and dresser with its private bathroom. One of the results of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's historical research was the placement of French furniture, originally ordered by President James Monroe in 1818, in the Blue Room. They hosted a dinner in the State Dining Room The pandemic kept many of us apart, yet it also reminded us that our time together is so precious. The Blue Room, featuring the Official White House Christmas Tree, celebrates the Gift of Peace and Unity. Blue Room Art and Furnishings The "elliptic salon", with the Yellow Oval Room above and the Diplomatic Reception Room below it, formed the most elegant architectural feature of James Hoban's plans for the White House. The Grand Foyer and Cross Hall of the White House celebrate theGift of Faith and Community. In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began a major refurbishment of the White House, including the Blue Room. the Diplomatic Reception Room, oval in shape, from which President Franklin D. Roosevelt broadcast his fireside chats; the vaulted-arch hallway used by tourists. Poinsettias punctuate the glowing topiaries opposite the windows to the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, dedicated by First Lady Claudia Lady Bird Johnson in 1965. Shop Official White House Ornaments, Books & More A Tour of the White House: The Blue Room About this Video The Blue Room with the Yellow Oval Room above and the Diplomatic Reception Room below it, form the most elegant space of James Hoban's plans for the White House. The Blue Room has also welcomed at least one child. Since the White House was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800, influential people and organizationsor those who hoped to A dinner at the White House has always had significance beyond the gastronomical delights. Eight pieces of the original suite can be seen, [14] The pier table was placed opposite the fireplace, its historic location. The White House gardener spent The Blue Room is furnished in the French Empire style. This room also features the most iconic White House artifact: Gilbert Stuarts portrait of George Washington, which First Lady Dolley Madison helped save in 1814 when the White House wasabout to be set aflame during the War of 1812. The President uses the Blue Room to receive many of his guests, from foreign heads of state to members of Congress. When one of the original 1817 armchairs was found in Pennsylvania, it was donated to the White House and added to the Blue Room. Vermeil Room The external plan of the White House. George Peter Alexander Healy's 1859 portrait of John Tyler hangs on the west wall above the Monroe sofa. https://www.whitehouse.gov/holidays-2021/?utm_source=link, Office of the United States Trade Representative. Since the opening of the White House in 1800, presidents and first ladies have used the Blue Room to formally receive and greet guests.\" "); Library | At that time, several critics were very vocal about Boudin's choices for the room. The building is situated on more than 15 acres of land, and its major features include: (1) Executive Wing, (2) President's office, (3) swimming pool and gym, (4) main building, (5) movie theater, (6) East Wing. Over 78,750 holiday lights decorate the trees, garlands, wreaths, and displays in the White House. When was electricity first installed at the White House? a fragrant scent greets them as they enter the Blue Room. Inside The Blue Room Of The White House In 1940 Washington D C White House Interior White House Washington Dc White House Tour The Blue Room Room Around 1960 National Geographic Blue Rooms White House Interior Inside The White House [16][c] Two side chairs from the suite were located at the Adams National Historical Park in Massachusetts. It has been traditionally decorated in shades of red. Ander Zorn's portrait of President William Howard Taft shows the Blue Room of 1911. She was vindicated when on the first night that it was used, gas ran out and all went dark except the candlelit oval room. Charles Francis Adams IV declined to donate these chairs but agreed to pay for seven reproduction armchairs and six reproduction side chairs. [citation needed], As January 20, 2013, fell on a Sunday, President Barack Obama was sworn in for his second term by Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts in a brief semi-private ceremony in the Blue Room, accompanied by the First Lady and their two daughters. The White House was completely gutted and rebuilt from 1950 to 1952 during the Harry S. Truman administration. What are the dimensions of the White House? By that time, the White House had acquired three of the original Bellang chairs auctioned off in 1860, from which copies were made. Other rooms on the ground floor include a library paneled in old White House timbers, the curator's office, a doctor's office, and the kitchen. Then Inspired by the small acts of kindness and experiences that lifted our spirits this year and throughout the pandemic, rooms throughout the White House are decorated to reflect the Gifts from the Heart that unite us all: We begin our 2021 White House holiday decor honoring theGift of Service. Hope renews with each new day. The White House was rebuilt between 1815 and 1817 under Hoban's supervision, and the whole building was painted white to cover the smoke stains. [19][d] After extensive research into designs, the American fabrics firm Scalamandr discovered a historical painting of the original Monroe-era upholstery for the furniture. were everywhere. The visitors' entrance is through the East Wing of the White House. The walls are hung with a chamois-colored wallpaper imprinted with medallions of burnished gold. Many distinguished guests have been received here. Entrance and Cross Halls | Among the early names given to the building were the President's Palace, the President's House, and the President's Mansion. The White House was the first public building to be constructed in Washington, D.C. The faux fabric border is similar in effect to an actual fabric border installed during the administration of John F. Kennedy. gown, an India silk drape trimmed with real orange blossoms adapted from an early 19th century American paper George P. A. This year has been defined by uncommon acts of compassion, bravery, and selflessness by so many, and we celebrate their service and sacrifice. President Donald Trump hosted the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room in 2017. The Blue Room is located in the center of the State Floor of the White House. In 1882 President Chester Arthur commissioned Louis Comfort Tiffany to redecorate several State Rooms. Educators learned how to connect with students in new and innovative ways, pushing through the challenges of the pandemic. A series of redecorations through the 19th century caused most of the original pieces to be sold or lost. Scalamandr was unable to produce a fabric of high enough quality to satisfy Mrs. Kennedy, so Boudin selected the French firm of Tassinari et Chtel to manufacture the coverings. During the administration of John Adams, the Blue Room served as the south entrance hall, though it has always functioned as the principal reception room of the White House. 1815, the period of the furnishings acquired by President James Monroe for the The advent of social media has empowered incredible artists and performers to share their talent with the world from their own living rooms. Two other major 19th-century additions to the White House were the semicircular South Portico, completed in 1824, and the North Portico, with Ionic columns from ground to roof, finished in 1829. Tourists also enter on this level to view the historic rooms on the first floor, which are open to the public from 10 A.M. to noon, Tuesday through Saturday. A c. 1817 ormolu French Empire mantel clock with a figure of Hannibal, by Denire et Matelin, sits on the mantel. To complete the finishing touches, the White House pastry team used 55 sheets of baked gingerbread, 120 pounds of pastillage, 35 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing. Martin Van Buren redecorated the "Elliptic Saloon" and started the tradition of a "Blue Room" in 1837. President. Over the years, the Blue Room's oval shape and breath-taking Traditionally, the president greets state visitors here. and church bells rang throughout the city. Hoban's original design of the East Room was greatly changed by President Ulysses S. Grant, who added false beams and columns to it. view of the South Lawn of the White House has captivated many During events, the United States Marine Band often performs in this location. Blue Room. Salon, even at private gentlemen's houses". However, the firm shipped gilded furniture instead, It is distinctive for its oval shape. The wall sconces and chandelier were almost exact copies of those Boudin had used in the Music Room at Munich Residenz. to begin playing the Wedding March. papers. The sapphire-blue silk fabric used for the draperies and furniture upholstery was chosen by Hillary Clinton. Learn more about the history of the Blue Room with White House Historical Association historian, Dr. Matthew Costello in this short video, made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. and a 15-foot train. Original Language: Spanish. [citation needed] The company fabricated a suite of chairs (painted white and gold) based on chairs made for Napoleon by Franois-Honor-Georges Jacob-Desmalter. However, some White House families have been interested in preserving its past. [1] The room is traditionally decorated in shades of blue. mahogany furniture through the American firm Russell and La Farge, with offices completed the renovation project. For many administrations, it has historically served as the space for receiving guests to the White House. A larger public ceremony, including Obama's second inaugural address, followed at the U.S. Capitol the next day. The beauty of the sunrise and the constancy of the tides remind us that the world always moves forward and takes us with it. The Fine Arts Committee of the White House, appointed by Mrs. Kennedy, planned the redecoration, using furniture of the best styles of the late 18th and 19th centuries, including, where possible, pieces that had belonged to past Presidents. Return to the White House Tour. White House Tour. Originally decorated in red, blue was selected as the color for the drapes, upholstery, and carpet during an 1837 refurbishing under President Martin Van Buren. Flowers covered the Monroe also acquired three marble bustsAmerigo Vespucci, Christopher Columbus, and George Washingtonall made by the Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ceracchi. Photo, Print, Drawing The Blue Room, White House Download: Rights Advisory : No known restrictions on publication. Washington, DC 20500. In November 1963, the assassination of President Kennedy had Pierre Charles L'Enfant selected the site for the President's House and proposed a grand palace four times larger than the What are some interesting facts about presidents and first ladies? Air Force 1 x Tiffany & Co. "1837" The room is used for receptions and receiving lines and is occasionally set for small dinners. The printed dado border along the chair rail is blue and gold with rosettes. The present colors in the room are blue and white. Art and With the strength of faith and love of community, we are comforted and reassured that we are never alone. From the east corner The Blue Room is one of three state parlors on the first floor in the White House, the residence of the president of the United States. The blue satin draperies were The three windows look out upon the Portico and South Lawn. completed in mid-1995. Honoring Great Sports Moments at the White House, Gardens and Grounds of the President's House. Beginning in the Eisenhower Administration, a large Christmas tree has been consistently featured in the Blue Room. Room. An oval portico with curving stairs that descended to the South Lawn was included in these original plans, but was not built until 1824. The pier table received a new white marble top and new giltwork. The silk upholstery fabric retains the gold eagle medallion on the chair backs Andrew Jackson fitted the room out in green. Featuring blue upholstery, blue curtains, and blue carpet, the oval-shaped Blue Room has stayed the same color since 1837. For many administrations, it has historically served as the space for receiving guests to the White House. The Gold and China rooms, used as checkrooms, also display historic pieces of china and metalwork. presidents to formally receive guests. Thousands of Images covering the History of the White House, Official White House Ornaments, Books & More.