The President Woodrow Wilson House is a historic house museum in Washington, DC’s Kalorama neighborhood, where the 28th president lived after leaving office. A guided visit takes you through preserved rooms, including private studies, bedrooms and a formal dining room, with furnishings and personal objects connected to Wilson and his family. Exhibits also look at American life in the 1920s, from fashion to silent films. Allow time for the terraced garden if the weather permits, and book ahead for a tour.
Wilson’s home after the White House
The house at 2340 S Street NW was Woodrow Wilson’s residence after his presidency. He and his wife, Edith, moved there after leaving the White House in 1921. Today, the museum preserves the home and displays objects associated with the former president and his family.
The residence is in Kalorama, near Embassy Row. Its Georgian Revival exterior leads into ornate interior spaces, including a marble entryway and grand staircase. The house gives visitors a close view of Wilson’s domestic life after his years in public office.
Rooms and collections
A tour takes in spaces such as Wilson’s private study, bedrooms and formal dining room. The rooms contain furnishings and personal possessions, along with memorabilia and photographs connected to his life. The dining room includes items from the family’s collection; the kitchen area holds original china.
The house also displays elaborate gifts of state and objects associated with Wilson’s time in public life. Exhibits put these collections alongside stories about his presidency and personal life. Some displays look beyond the Wilson family to everyday culture in the 1920s, including silent films and flapper-era clothing.
Tours and the garden
Visits are organized around tours of the house. A highlights tour can take about 30 minutes, while a full guided tour may take about an hour. A guide can explain the rooms and artifacts as you move through the residence; the house is compact, so there is limited space for groups inside.
Outside, a terraced garden gives the visit a quieter finish when weather allows. The museum also holds exhibitions and occasional themed events, including programs connected with vintage games and songs from World War I. Check the museum’s current information before your visit for tour and exhibition details.
FAQ
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Booking online in advance is recommended to avoid admission issues on arrival.
How long does a visit take?
A highlights tour takes about 30 minutes; a full guided tour may take about an hour.
What can you see inside the house?
The tour includes preserved rooms such as private studies, bedrooms and the formal dining room, with personal objects, furnishings and memorabilia.
Can you visit the garden?
The terraced garden is open when weather permits.
