Bordering the Oval Office and West Wing of the White House in Washington, D.C., the White House Rose Garden is a famous 125-by-60-foot outdoor space adjacent to the South Lawn. First established in 1913, this iconic venue has hosted decades of American history, serving as a stage for presidential news conferences, foreign policy announcements, state visits, national celebrations, and even presidential weddings.
When you visit, you will see a space framed by rich political legacy and evolving landscape design. The garden features flower beds intermixed with seasonal bulbs, annuals, and over 200 white and pale pink rose bushes, including the Pope John Paul II Rose.
Look out for the abstract sculpture 'Floor Frame' by Isamu Noguchi set beneath a magnolia tree—the first piece by an Asian American artist in the White House official collection. The grounds also feature Indiana limestone pathways and diamond-patterned stone tiles, alongside historic bronze statues including depictions of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence.
What to see at White House Rose Garden
- Historic venue adjacent to the Oval Office and West Wing
- Over 200 white and pale pink rose bushes mixed with seasonal blooms
- Isamu Noguchi's 'Floor Frame' sculpture beneath a magnolia tree
- Bronze statues depicting Washington, Hamilton, Franklin, and Jefferson
- Indiana limestone features and ADA-compliant 36-inch walk
Visiting tips
Look out for historic artwork in the garden, such as Isamu Noguchi's 'Floor Frame' sculpture placed beneath a magnolia tree.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
White House Rose Garden is easy to reach on Washington, D.C.’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Ford's Theatre and Corcoran Gallery of Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Washington, D.C. travel guide.
See the full Washington, D.C. travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.