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Diplomatic Reception Room Fireplace

Gallery

  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Dwight D. Eisenhower Administration

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    Mamie Eisenhower accepted a donation of American federal furniture for the Diplomatic Reception Room in 1960 to begin a collection of American furniture of the highest quality from the period when the White House was constructed. The National Society of Interior Designers assisted in this initial initiative. Since then, those objects have been supplemented by additional pieces such as a tall case clock with musical works and a French wallpaper, Views of North America in the room today. This photograph is by White House photographer Robert L. Knudsen.

    Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, John F. Kennedy

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    This circa 1961 photograph shows the Diplomatic Reception Room and is an outtake from the first edition of the White House guidebook. Featured are portraits of First Ladies Julia Tyler and Angelica Van Buren.

    White House Historical Association
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Kennedy Administration

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    This photograph shows the Diplomatic Reception Room during the John F. Kennedy administration. The Diplomatic Reception Room serves as an entrance from the South Grounds of the White House for the first family and visiting foreign officials. The panoramic wallpaper, titled "Views of North America," depicts scenes from American history, and was produced by Jean Zuber et Cie in France. The wallpaper was installed under the direction of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961.

    White House Historical Association
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Bill Clinton Administration

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    This photograph shows the Diplomatic Reception Room, featuring above the mantel, a circa 1805 portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. This painting is not the Stuart portrait of Washington saved by First Lady Dolley Madison in 1814. That painting hangs in the East Room.

    White House Historical Association
  • Diplomatic Reception Room Decorated for Christmas

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    This is a photograph of the Christmas decorations in Diplomatic Reception Room taken by Sharon Farmer on December 3, 1996. The Christmas trees are filled with stockings and lights. The portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart is prominently displayed above the mantel, which is decorated with a garland trimmed with gold ribbons and ornaments. The theme chosen for 1996 was the "Nutcracker Suite."

    William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • Diplomatic Reception Room

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    This circa 2009 photograph by Peter Vitale depicts the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. The French wallpaper in the Diplomatic Reception Room, depicting scenes of Boston, Niagara Falls, West Point, Natural Bridge, and New York Harbor, was installed under the direction of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. A circa 1805 painting of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart hangs above the mantel.

    White House Historical Association
  • Holiday Decorations, Diplomatic Reception Room

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    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room decorated for the holiday season was taken on November 29, 2016. The holiday theme for 2016 was "The Gift of the Holidays" celebrating the gift of family and friends, reflection and remembrance, and excitement and cheer. This theme was reflected throughout the White House by LEGO houses representing the 56 states and territories of the United States, the White House Gingerbread House, decorations using 90 percent recycled and repurposed materials, and a 19 foot Balsam fir showcased in the Blue Room.

    White House Historical Association

About this Gallery

Throughout White House history, the Diplomatic Reception Room has gone through successive restorations and been used for many different purposes. The fireplace in the room was opened up in 1935 to provide President Franklin D. Roosevelt with a setting for his famous Fireside Chats. The fireplace is a centerpiece of the room, which is still used for presidents and first ladies to welcome foreign heads of state to the White House during State Arrival ceremonies.

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