U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Reception Rooms

What to know

Located on the seventh and eighth floors of the Harry S. Truman Building, the Diplomatic Reception Rooms serve as a prestigious venue where the United States Secretary of State conducts the business of modern diplomacy. When these rooms first opened in 1961, they were relatively plain and office-like, featuring concrete floors with wall-to-wall carpeting and brown paneled walls. To transform the space into an elegant setting for high-level diplomacy, the Diplomatic Reception Rooms Fund was established in 1982. This effort turned the area into a living museum that now welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. The complex comprises 42 principal rooms and offices designed to tell the story of America's founding through its material culture. The collection is one of the nation's foremost showcases of American fine and decorative arts, specifically focusing on the period from 1740 to 1840. Visitors can encounter more than 5,000 pieces of furniture and art, making it one of the most important yet historically inaccessible collections in the country. Today, the rooms are used for the official entertaining of visiting Chiefs of State, Heads of Government, and Foreign Ministers. By blending a museum atmosphere with active diplomatic utility, the space provides a ceremonial and patriotic backdrop for dialogues that have global impact.

Visitor tips

• Check the official State Department collection site at diplomaticrooms.state.gov to view the art online if you cannot secure an in-person visit.
• Allow extra time for security screening as the rooms are located within the Harry S. Truman Building.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the complex spans two floors and 42 different rooms.

Nearby context

The rooms are situated within the Harry S. Truman Building, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., placing them at the heart of the city's diplomatic and administrative district.