Part of the legacy of a first lady is the ongoing preservation and decorating work done at the White House, a living museum of the nation s history. Every departing first family who has lived in the 132-room mansion leaves something of themselves behind. And while Melania Trump did not make refurbishing a major focus, there were some significant additions and improvements during her tenure. They included a bronze statue by Isamu Noguchi, a restoration of the East Room and new fabrics to replace sun-damaged upholstery and walls in the Red Room. There were also practical projects, such as the modernization of the sub-basement curatorial storage room and restoration of historical wooden doors that had been dinged by presidential dogs over the decades.
Updated: 20 Jan 2021, 13:57
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WITH 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms and two swimming pools, Joe Biden s new presidential home in Washington DC is nothing short of spectacular.
But the White House, which Biden will move into today, also houses a host of secret features - from a 40-seater theatre and a bowling alley to a doomsday mega-bunker .
⚠️ Read our Inauguration Day 2021 live blog for the very latest news and updates on Joe Biden s swearing-in
45 Joe Biden s new home, the White House, boasts 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms and a host of secret features
45 Biden, pictured with wife Jill yesterday, is set to be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States todayCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The White House’s Origins
Before we explore the White House’s most prominent interiors, let’s explore the famed home’s history.
The White House was designed by Irish architect James Hoban in the Neoclassical style of architecture and built over the course of eight years (from 1792 to 1800). The edifice itself is made of Aquia Creek sandstone that was painted white because of the risk posed by the permeability of the stone, which could cause cracking in colder months.
Before the current White House, the President’s House in Philadelphia served as a home to two presidents: George Washington and John Adams. The construction of the White House was completed just a few months before Adams’s presidency ended, so he was able to move into the People’s House before his term concluded.