• Mrs. Obama Announces the Academy Award for Best Picture
    Pete Souza
    arts & culture
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    ceremonies
    merits & awards
    In this photograph by Pete Souza, First Lady Michelle Obama announces the Academy Award winner for Best Picture on February 24, 2013. Her appearance on the live televised Oscar ceremony was filmed in the Diplomatic Reception Room on the Ground Floor of the White House. The winner of Best Picture, "Argo", was a film about the rescue of six United States diplomats who sought safety at the home of the Canadian ambassador to Iran during the 1979 to 1981 Iran Hostage Crisis in Tehran.
  • Bob Hope Performs at 1976 State Dinner for Queen Elizabeth
    Karl Schumacher
    State Visit
    East Room
    State Floor
    performing
    arts & culture
    White House Guests
    In this photograph by Karl Schumacher, comedian Bob Hope performs in the East Room on July 7, 1976. Hope performed a monologue during the entertainment portion of a State Dinner held in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The State Dinner, which was held in the Rose Garden, followed a day of activities with President Gerald R. Ford, First Lady Betty Ford, Queen Elizabeth, and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, including a State Arrival Ceremony that morning. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited the United States from July 6 to 11 in celebration of the American Bicentennial. Hope, a British-born actor and comedian, was a recurrent guest at the White House and, during his career, entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.
  • Captain & Tennille Perform at State Dinner for Queen Elizabeth
    Karl Schumacher
    State Visit
    East Room
    State Floor
    performing
    arts & culture
    music
    White House Guests
    In this photograph by Karl Schumacher, husband and wife singing duo Captain & Tennille (Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille) perform in the East Room on July 7, 1976. The duo performed during the entertainment portion of a State Dinner held in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The State Dinner, which was held in the Rose Garden, followed a day of activities with President Gerald R. Ford, First Lady Betty Ford, Queen Elizabeth, and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, including a State Arrival Ceremony that morning. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited the United States from July 6 to 11 in celebration of the American Bicentennial. Performing with Captain & Tennille were bassist Jack Conrad, drummer Michael Mathis, and singers Andy Boettner, Melissa Tennille, Louisa Tennille, and Jubilant Sykes.
  • Mrs. Obama and Sharon Sprung at Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    Ground Floor Corridor
    Ground Floor
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. Here, Mrs. Obama poses with Sharon Sprung -- the artist who painted Obama -- and her portrait in the Ground Floor Corridor, where the portrait was hung following the East Room ceremony. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • President Obama with Portrait Artist Robert McCurdy
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    Entrance Hall
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former President Barack Obama and portrait artist Robert McCurdy was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Obama's portrait was painted by McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House following the ceremony, seen here. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • President Obama with Portrait Artist Robert McCurdy
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    Entrance Hall
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former President Barack Obama and portrait artist Robert McCurdy was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Obama's portrait was painted by McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House following the ceremony, seen here. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Robert McCurdy with his Portrait of President Obama
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    Entrance Hall
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of portrait artist Robert McCurdy was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Former President Obama's portrait was painted by McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House, seen here, following the ceremony. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Dr. Biden Speaks at the Unveiling of the Obama's Official Portraits
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden speaking at a ceremony for the unveiling of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's official White House portraits was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden and Dr. Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the unveiling. Former President Obama's portrait was painted by artist Robert McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House following the ceremony. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Dr. Biden Speaks at the Unveiling of the Obama's Official Portraits
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden speaking at a ceremony for the unveiling of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's official White House portraits was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. In this moment, Dr. Biden jokingly admonished her husband, President Joseph R. Biden, for not standing while she took the stage like the rest of the attendees. President Biden obliged the first lady, standing alone before the gathered group. President and Dr. Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the unveiling. Former President Obama's portrait was painted by artist Robert McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House following the ceremony. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Dr. Biden Speaks at the Unveiling of the Obama's Official Portraits
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden speaking at a ceremony for the unveiling of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's official White House portraits was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden and Dr. Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the unveiling. Former President Obama's portrait was painted by artist Robert McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House following the ceremony. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, stands on stage to the left following his own remarks. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • President Obama at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former President Barack Obama was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and First Lady Michelle Obama back to the White House for the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Here, former President Obama applauds the unveiling of the portraits, with Mrs. Obama's portrait by Sharon Sprung at left. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Dr. Biden Speaks at the Unveiling of the Obama's Official Portraits
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden speaking at a ceremony for the unveiling of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's official White House portraits was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden and Dr. Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the unveiling. Former President Obama's portrait was painted by artist Robert McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House following the ceremony. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman Emhoff Attend Obama Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Harris and Emhoff attended the ceremony, as seen here. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, stands on stage to the left following his own remarks. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, stands on stage to the left following his own remarks. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • President Obama at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former President Barack Obama was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and First Lady Michelle Obama back to the White House for the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Here, former President Obama listens on stage as Mrs. Obama speaks following his own remarks. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, stands on stage to the left following his own remarks. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, stands on stage to the left following his own remarks. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and first lady to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama with Her Official White House Portrait
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama back to the White House for the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Here, Mrs. Obama listens to her husband speak while standing next to her portrait, painted by Sharon Sprung. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • Mrs. Obama Speaks at Official Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a ceremony unveiling her official White House portrait was taken by Tony Powell on September 7, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama to the East Room of the White House for the ceremony. Portrait artist Sharon Sprung painted Mrs. Obama while Robert McCurdy painted President Obama. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • President Obama Speaks at Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former President Barack Obama was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Former President Obama's portrait was painted by artist Robert McCurdy and the portrait was hung in the Entrance Hall of the White House following the ceremony. Mrs. Obama's was painted by artist Sharon Sprung and was hung in the Ground Floor Corridor. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.
  • President Obama Speaks at Portrait Unveiling
    Tony Powell
    State Floor
    East Room
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama was taken by Tony Powell for the White House Historical Association on September 7, 2022. On that day, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the former president and first lady at the unveiling ceremony of the Obamas' official White House portraits. Here, former President Obama speaks on stage. He was followed by Mrs. Obama, who also delivered remarks in the East Room ceremony. See assets 1135359 and 1135360 to view the portraits of former President and Mrs. Obama.