President Kennedy Attends Diplomatic Reception in the East Room

This photograph of President John F. Kennedy mingling with diplomatic guests in the East Room of the White House was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on May 2, 1962. The East Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. The room is the largest room in the White House and is often used as a ceremonial space. The room is painted white and has 18th-century French and English-inspired ornate walls and ceiling. To make way for temporary furniture for ceremonies and holiday decorations, the East Room is usually sparsely furnished.