First lady Melania Trump announced Wednesday that later this month the White House will open its doors to the public for the first time during President Trump’s second term.
Public tours of the executive mansion – paused as the 47th president transitioned into the Oval Office – will restart on Feb. 25, according to the first lady’s office.
“The President and I are excited to reopen the White House to those interested in the extraordinary story of this iconic and beautiful landmark,” Melania said in a statement.
“There is much to learn about the American Presidency, the First Families who have lived here, and our Nation’s rich history from a firsthand experience at the White House,” the first lady added. “This opportunity is unique among nations around the globe — a tradition we are honored to continue for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come each year.”
Tours of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave include the public rooms in the East Wing of the building and the Residence — including the Vermeil Room, the Library, the China Room, the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, the State Dining Room and a view of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, according to the White House.
The public can request a tour through their representatives in Congress up to three months in advance.
Tours are self-guided but Secret Service agents stationed along the route are available to answer questions about the history of each room as well as how they’re currently being used by the Trump White House.
The tours – which are free – typically last about 45 minutes and will generally be available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
The first lady has said she will divide her time between Washington, New York and South Florida over the next four years in order to spend time with her son Barron, a freshman at New York University.
“I will be in the White House. And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York,” Melania told Fox News in a Jan. 13 pre-inauguration interview.
“When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach. My first priority is to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife.”
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