The White House Public Tour — The White House
A redesigned public tour experience for the White House in Washington, DC, unveiled by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in October 2024, added interpretive signage, digital and tactile "reader rails," and an interactive architectural model, designed by ESI Design in collaboration with the National Park Service and The History Channel.
| Venue | The White House |
|---|---|
| Project type | Installation |
| Status | Completed |
| Year completed | 2024 |
| Technologies | digital reader rails, tactile/touch interpretive elements, interactive 3D model |
Credits
| Firm | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ESI Design | Environmental Graphics & Wayfinding | Digital and physical reader rails, signage, and pillars along the public tour route |
| ESI Design | Media Design & Software | Interactive 3D architectural model of the White House's evolution in the East Garden Room |
| ESI Design | Interpretive Planning | Experience strategy and concept development |
| ESI Design | Fabrication |
Description
The first substantial revamp of the White House public tour in decades opened previously roped-off rooms (the Vermeil Room, the Library, the China Room) and the Diplomatic Reception Room to visitors for the first time, adds new interpretive reader rails with tactile features, and includes an interactive 3D model in the East Garden Room illustrating the building's architectural evolution since 1792.
Sources
- https://www.npr.org/2024/10/30/nx-s1-5165402/white-house-tours-get-a-revamp-for-the-first-time-in-decades
- https://esi.nbbj.com/work/the-white-house-public-tour
- https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/21/first-lady-jill-biden-unveils-enhanced-and-expanded-white-house-tour/
- https://esi.nbbj.com/news/fast-company-names-the-reimagined-white-house-tour
- https://www.fastcompany.com/91388537/experience-design-innovation-by-design-2025