The End of an Era: White House Family Theater Demolished for New Ballroom
For over eight decades, the White House Family Theater has served as a unique venue for presidents and their families to watch films, prepare speeches, and occasionally store guests’ belongings. This week, however, demolition crews began tearing down the historic theater as part of a larger project to replace the East Wing with a $300 million ballroom, marking the end of a significant chapter in American history.
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 converted from a cloakroom by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942, the theater has been a private cinematic haven for various presidents. Its latest renovation in 2004, led by First Lady Laura Bush, saw the theater adorned in “movie-palace red” with gold and dark wood accents, replacing the previous cream and red floral theme.
Presidents have utilized this intimate venue for a variety of films. President Jimmy Carter watched over 400 films during his term, including All the President’s Men. President Richard Nixon favored Patton during the Vietnam War, and President John F. Kennedy enjoyed James Bond films, famously watching From Russia With Love the day before his assassination. More recently, President Barack Obama screened a range of films from Selma to Star Wars Rogue One, while President Trump favored titles like Finding Dory.
Not all presidents shared a love for film. According to Paul Fischer, the White House’s projectionist from the 1950s to the ’80s, President Lyndon B. Johnson often slept through screenings. Fischer meticulously logged every movie shown, offering a glimpse into the cinematic tastes of past presidents.
The decision to demolish the theater has sparked some criticism. “It was a place for the president to watch what America was watching,” said Matt Lambros, an author of books on historic theaters, in an interview with NPR. “To have it destroyed is bulldozing a piece of American history.”
The White House has not confirmed whether a new theater will be included in the East Wing’s redevelopment. “We’re just going off of their word that a theater will be rebuilt,” Lambros added. “I hope that’s the case, and the next hundred years of presidents can enjoy it.” The George W. Bush Presidential Library offers a detailed guide on the history of movie screenings at the White House.
