The White House Public Tour
The White House has been the stage for defining moments in American history—from the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation to presidential pets roaming its halls. Yet despite its deep legacy, the public tour remained largely unchanged for decades. To honor its past while embracing the future, NBBJ’s experience design studio, ESI, collaborated with Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and A+E Global Media to transform the tour into an inclusive, multisensory journey that truly welcomes all.
New multimedia installations illuminate stories of the White House and those who have lived and worked within its walls. Digital and physical reader rails, tactile models, immersive audio, and accessible signage engage visitors of all ages and abilities. It also allows visitors to step into spaces previously closed to the public, such as the Diplomatic Reception Room, creating an experience that reflects the evolving meaning of The People’s House.
Features
To create a more personal connection, the East Wing welcomes visitors with a message from the first lady, whereas the State Floor pillar is designed to host a greeting from the president. A “grand frame” on the Entry Hall features rotating photos of presidents and first ladies, and a Ground Floor media screen with "behind the scenes" images transforms a room partition into an educational moment.
Project Details
Client Name
A+E Global Media and the Office of the First Lady
Program
Digital and physical reader rails, signage and pillars with digital screens, architectural model, tactile and auditory elements, web-based experience
Services
Experience design services: visitor journey mapping, content strategy, graphic and visual design, software and system design, physical design, prototyping
Phase
Completed
Client Name
A+E Global Media and the Office of the First Lady
Program
Digital and physical reader rails, signage and pillars with digital screens, architectural model, tactile and auditory elements, web-based experience
Services
Experience design services: visitor journey mapping, content strategy, graphic and visual design, software and system design, physical design, prototyping
Phase
Completed
Associated Press, “The White House Public Tour Has Been Upgraded so Visitors Can See, Hear and Touch More”
Good Morning America, “First Lady Jill Biden Unveils Revamped White House Tour, Talks Legacy, 2024 Election”
NBC News, “'It's the people's house': Bidens celebrate new expanded White House Tour”
NPR, “White House Tours Get a Revamp for the First Time in Decades”
The Architect's Newspaper, “NBBJ’s Experience Design Studio, ESI Design Adds New Interpretive Displays in the White House”
Associated Press, “The White House Public Tour Has Been Upgraded so Visitors Can See, Hear and Touch More”
Good Morning America, “First Lady Jill Biden Unveils Revamped White House Tour, Talks Legacy, 2024 Election”
NBC News, “'It's the people's house': Bidens celebrate new expanded White House Tour”
NPR, “White House Tours Get a Revamp for the First Time in Decades”
The Architect's Newspaper, “NBBJ’s Experience Design Studio, ESI Design Adds New Interpretive Displays in the White House”
