An Era Ends: White House Theater Makes Way for New Ballroom
The White House Family Theater, a cherished venue for presidential screenings and rehearsals, is no more. This week marked the start of its demolition, alongside the rest of the East Wing, to construct a $300 million ballroom. This transformation signifies the close of a significant chapter in the history of American movie theaters.
Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wear 3-D glasses during a Super Bowl party in the White House Family Theater in 2009. The White House/Getty Images
Originally transformed from a cloakroom by Franklin Roosevelt in 1942, the theater has evolved through various renovations. It transitioned from a space with cream and red floral curtains to a “movie-palace red” adorned with gold and dark wood trim in 2004, under the guidance of first lady Laura Bush.
Over its 80-year history, the theater hosted a range of films, from newsreels to musicals, and served as a rehearsal space for significant speeches. Presidents have shared a deep connection with the theater, perhaps best expressed by Bill Clinton, who once remarked, “The best perk of the White House is not Air Force One or Camp David or anything else, it’s the wonderful movie theater I get here” (Roger Ebert interview).
An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished in October 2025, destroying the historic theater. Eric Lee/Getty Images
Numerous presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon, frequently used the theater. Carter, during his term, watched over 400 films there and at Camp David. Nixon had repeated viewings of Patton, while Barack Obama’s selections ranged from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom to Star Wars Rogue One. Donald Trump’s choices included Finding Dory and Sunset Boulevard.
While some presidents were avid moviegoers, others, like Lyndon B. Johnson, reportedly slept through most screenings. Paul Fischer, the White House’s projectionist for decades, meticulously logged each film shown, even during John F. Kennedy’s tenure (see here).
Matt Lambros, a historian of theaters, noted, “It was a place for the president to watch what America was watching.” He lamented its loss, describing it as a significant piece of American history being erased. The White House has not confirmed whether a new theater will be part of the East Wing’s redevelopment.
Lambros added, “We’re just going off of their word that a theater will be rebuilt. I hope that’s the case, and the next hundred years of presidents can enjoy it.”
