White House holds little-known American art collection

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The White House, known as the home of the president of the United States, also houses an art collection that author Leslie Greene Bowman says rivals museums anywhere in the world.

Bowman, an American art historian, served under four presidents on the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. She has written a new book, “Art for the White House,” detailing the art collection inside the executive mansion.

“Most Washingtonians, most Americans, don’t really know very much about it. And yet here it’s just right on par with any of the great museums in this city and their American art collections,” Bowman said.

Bowman said the collection started with one image.

“The finest in the collection is the great, iconic, full-length portrait of George Washington as our first president. And it moved into the White House before any other furniture did,” Bowman said.

The White House art collection remained largely unchanged until First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy grew the gallery, using landscapes and portraits to represent the people, history and culture of the nation. Since then, every presidential administration has added to the collection.

Bowman said although beautiful, the collection serves a broader purpose.

“It’s a wonderful ambassador for our civilization and our culture through the lens of great art,” Bowman said.

People can view the White House art collection by booking an in-person tour, taking a virtual walk-through on the White House Historical Association’s website, visiting The People’s House, or reading “Art for the White House.”