Hundreds of thousands of visitors tour the White House every year. That number should now increase, thanks to a partnership between the White House and the Google Art Project.
“The White House isn’t simply a home to first families or a meeting space for world leaders,” says first lady Michelle Obama in an introductory video. “It’s also known as ‘the people’s house,’ a place that should be open to everyone.”
Using the same 360-degree cameras employed for Google Maps' “street view,” the Google Art Project allows users all over the world to see the White House rooms available on the public tour, as well as high-resolution renderings of the White House’s art collection, such as Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, which hangs in the East Room.
“So go ahead, look around,” the first lady said. “Enjoy the history and the beauty of these rooms. Because, after all, this is your house too.”
Visit the White House at the Google Art Project. See the first lady's introductory video on YouTube and Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington on the Google Art Project website.