A Tour of The People’s House: DC’s Newest Must-See for Students
- Educational Tours
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
There’s a new attraction on the rise in DC, and it’s quickly becoming a staple of our student tours!
The People’s House is an immersive White House experience located just a short walk from the real thing. Combining history with cutting-edge technology, it gives visitors a detailed inside look at America’s most iconic mansion and the people who have shaped history there.
It’s not every day you get a chance to walk in the steps of the president– or even sit behind the president’s desk. If you missed this stop on your last trip, here's your own little tour.
The White House Exterior
Step inside and you'll come face-to-face with a stunning, 1:5 replica of the White House exterior. You might see details you've never noticed before as you get close to the grand white pillars, sweeping balcony, grand staircases, and even the exact light fixtures that don the entrance of the real White House. Video displays in the windows bring the replica to life, telling stories like the burning of the White House in 1814. As the narration plays, the windows glow orange and flames flicker– suddenly, you’re transported back to that fateful moment in our nations history.
These monumental events show the significance of the palace, revealing just how many pivotal decisions and historic events have happened within its walls.
The Doll House
Around the back, the “dollhouse” view reveals the White House interior– meeting rooms, living spaces, even the butlers quarters are all meticulously designed down to the molding and wallpaper. Each open-faced vignette represents different eras, styles, and people that have filled the space throughout the decades.
From there, you'll walk the president’s commute to the Oval Office, passing by the Cabinet Room and Rose garden
on the way.
The Oval Office
This might just be the coolest part of the tour; A full-scale replica of the President’s Office invites you to sit behind the most important desk in the country, and just for a moment, experience a day in the life of the Commander-in-Chief. Luke Boorady, Managing Director of the People’s House, describes the feeling perfectly:
“I think people are just so taken with the fact that they can go in there, and know that the president might be 150, 200 yards away, sitting in a room just like that and making decisions that affect our entire country– our entire world,” Boorady said.
Even former White House residents agree that the replica is eerily accurate– from the lighting, rugs, and artwork all the way down to the books that line the shelves. Next Spring, the museum will be updated to reflect the design choices of the current administration.
People’s Voices Gallery
We’ve heard the stories of many presidents and first ladies who have resided in the White House, but what about the security officers who keep them safe? The chefs that prepare their food? The gardeners that maintain the mansion’s pristine image?
The People’s House amplifies these voices, recognizes their important role in our nation’s history, and reminds us that the White House doesn’t just belong to the president; It belongs to all of us– the honest, hardworking members of society.
One notable feature of the gallery is Dale Haney, the White House gardener who has maintained the grounds since the Nixon administration. His story captivates visitors as they learn about his long history with the building and the evolution of the grounds since the ‘60s.
Immersive Theatre
The People’s House utilizes technology throughout the museum to enhance each visitor's experience, and one of the most unique exhibits is the Immersive Theatre, displaying the rooms of the state floor.
At first glance, you wouldn’t know the walls of the room are blank– all four walls are decorated by colorful, moving projections. As you stand still, the room around you transforms into the East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room.
Hover your hand over interactive dots to reveal hidden stories about each piece of art, architectural detail, or piece of furniture. Even on an exclusive inside tour of the real White House, these are details you wouldn’t normally notice unless you knew to look for them.
More Exciting Features
Family Theatre – Hosts White House trivia games (where you might learn about moments like Beyoncé’s performance there) and other events.
Cabinet Room Simulation – Watch a reenacted, transcribed Cabinet meeting, then share your own advice with President Kennedy using a tablet.
Photobooth – Capture a photo of yourself on the South Grounds or in other off-limits locations. This is a big hit with student groups.
Whether you're visiting as an add-on or a replacement for a White House tour, the People's House offers a unique educational opportunity, bringing students face-to-face with the conversations, history, and people who have shaped our nation. Talk to our tour managers to add the People's House to your DC itinerary!
