White House Announces 2012 Spring Garden Tours

The White House will open its gardens and grounds to visitors on Saturday, April 21st from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, and on Sunday, April 22nd from 9:00AM to 3:00PM  Visitors can view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and the South Lawn of the White House. Additionally, the White House Kitchen Garden – the first vegetable garden at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden – will be accessible to tour guests.

These Garden Tours are free and open to the public; however, a ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00AM. Tickets will be distributed -- one ticket per person -- on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tours of the East Wing and Executive Residence will be closed on the dates of the Garden Tours.

Please note the following items are not allowed on the White House grounds:

• Aerosols of any kind
• Animals (except guide dogs)
• Backpacks (oversized)
• Balloons
• Beverages of any kind
• Duffle bags/suitcases
• Any pointed object
• Electric stun guns
• Fireworks/firecrackers
• Food of any kind
• Guns/ammunition
• Knives of any kind
• Mace
• Smoking

The United States Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.  However, strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas and cameras are permitted.

All items needed for medical purposes will be permitted on the tour (e.g. wheelchairs, electric scooters, glucose tablets, EpiPens, etc.). Please identify and explain all medications to United States Secret Service.

In the event of inclement weather, the Garden Tours may be cancelled. Please call the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041 to check on the status of the event. Tours of the White House will not occur on the dates of the Garden Tours.