More closely resembling a French château than a government building, the 19th-century Eisenhower Executive Office Building offers an aesthetic departure from Washington DC’s neoclassical government headquarters. Located right next to the White House’s West Wing, the building has gone through several evolutions; today, in addition to containing offices for White House staff, it is also home to the Vice President's Ceremonial Office (as well as a basement bowling alley installed by President Truman). In 1969, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is currently closed for public tours. However, its exterior can be admired during a range of Washington DC sightseeing itineraries, including driving, architecture, and walking tours.
Although access is barricaded, getting close enough to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building is possible to capture up-close photos.
Considered one of the country's finest examples of Second Empire-style design, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building is a must-visit for architecture lovers.
As the building can only be viewed from the outside, time your visit for good weather so you can linger to admire its details (or visit at night to see it illuminated).
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building is located at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, next to the White House. It can be reached via the Farragut West and McPherson Square DC Metro stations (both of which are served by the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) and numerous local bus services.
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is not currently publicly accessible, but its exterior can be admired day and night. The area around the White House is busiest during summer, weekends, and school holidays (as well as select holidays and protest events); visit during alternative times to beat the crowds.
Washington DC is home to dozens of important government buildings. In addition to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building—as well as major highlights like the White House, US Capitol, and the Supreme Court—other popular stops include the National Archives, NASA headquarters, the Old Post Office Pavilion, and the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
