WASHINGTON — Continuing a longstanding tradition, first lady  Melania Trump announced Wednesday that the White House will reopen for public tours, starting Tuesday, Feb. 25.

White House tours date back to 1805, when then-President Thomas Jefferson opened it to the public. The only times the White House has not been open for tours since is during wartime and during the COVID pandemic. Tours had been paused as the White House transitioned from being home to the Biden family to the Trumps. 

What You Need To Know

  • Continuing a longstanding tradition, first lady Melania Trump announced Wednesday that the White House will open for public tours

  • The self-guided, 45-minute tours will begin Feb. 25 and can only be requested through members of Congress

  • White House tours date back to 1805, when then-President Thomas Jefferson opened it to the public

  • The only times the White House has not been open for tours is during wartime and during the COVID pandemic

“The President and I are excited to reopen the White House to those interested in the extraordinary story of this iconic and beautiful landmark,” the first lady wrote in a statement.

She went on to say the tours will be an opportunity for visitors to learn about the presidency, the nation’s history and the first families who have lived in the White House since 1800 when it was first completed and then-President John Adams moved in. Trump also noted tours of the presidential home are unique among nations across the world.

The self-guided, 45-minute tours can only be requested through members of Congress and will be scheduled on a first-come first-served basis. They will take place Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.