Yes, the president has a home theater. The White House Family Theater was built in 1942. It has 42 seats and a 3D projector. It is used for movies, guests, and even practicing big speeches.
White House Theater | by Grant Clauser
On President’s Day it’s common to honor this nation’s leaders by staying home from school or maybe partaking in some Lincoln-inspired one-day sales.
I’m sure being president is a hard job, so he needs to unwind in the evening too. Lucky for him, the job comes with a home theater, and has for many decades. Several sources note that while the first movie was shown in the White House in 1915, the theater wasn’t actually built until 1942. President Dwight Eisenhower is said to have watched over 200 movies in the room. President Ronald Reagan’s favorite movie for the room was The Sound of Music. According to Tevi Troy, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, President Bill Clinton was a fan of Fight Club and American Beauty.
Here’s a pictorial tour of the official White House Family Theater. You’ll notice that the décor has changed significantly over the years as technology improved and presidential tastes changed. We’re sure the theater has been guests to dignitaries of all kinds. Even Hollywood celebrities such as SteWhite House theaterven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have enjoyed the room. The theater is used for much more than just watching Walking Dead on Sunday evenings. Some official functions take place there; guests are entertained and major speeches are rehearsed. Maybe the family also get together to play Call of Duty.
Unfortunately we don’t know what equipment is actually installed in the theater—that’s confidential information. What’s on the president’s DVR? Does the White House have a Kaleidescape? Are they an Xbox360 or PS3 family? Extra butter on their popcorn? We do know that the While House Family Theater includes a 3D projector and that it includes seats for 42 people. Everything else is a state secret.
Want the family room ready for game day? See our family room game day page.
What One Sound Choice clients say
I want to emphasize…(Ryan) recommended what I should do in the house (and had) suggestions that were (on target). For example, in my basement I have all of these components (and) can access any of (them) from my office. Ryan said, “You should also put a BluRay in your office.” I said, “What would I need that for?” He says, “I‘m telling you, put one in your office. You don’t wanna be going up and down the stairs.” He was ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. Now, it’s the one I use most of the time. I’d be lost without it!
– Mr. & Mrs. Anderson (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
The 1 Sound Choice staff was very easy to work with. Ryan, you understood our wants right from the beginning. Simplicity of installation and operation were just some of the reasons we chose 1 Sound Choice. You exceeded my expectations!
– Mr. & Mrs. Matia (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
Very fortunate I met Ryan. I had been looking to do a home theater install for a while but after bad experiences with just design guys who told me to find my own contractor to do the work I had started to give up on the idea. I wanted someone who knew all the design elements but was also familiar with construction using the specialist materials I wanted to incorporate. From start to finish it’s been great. He listened to my ideas, suggested some of his own, we came up with a design, we worked on budgeting, always trying hard to stay close to my number. Once construction started I had the pleasure of dealing with Kenny, one of the most considerate guys you could hope to work with. Start to finish took just over 2 weeks…they kept surrounding areas very clean, always closed doors behind them, and able to work around my schedule if anything else was going on in the house. As for the finished product, its exactly how I wanted it to turn out. I’ve got a full 7.4 speaker setup, 125″ 2.35 screen, acoustic paneling, custom lighting, all running on Control 4. Kenny has already been back touch up some paint work. Ryan will be back again after speakers are full broken in and to tweak the picture after the projector settles in. I will have a few other AV projects over the next couple of years..not going to look anywhere else than these guys. Top professionals.
– Jey (Houzz review)
White House theater questions
When was the White House theater built?
In 1942. The first movie at the White House was shown in 1915.
How many seats does the White House theater have?
It has 42 seats.
What gear is in the White House theater?
Most of it is secret. We do know it has a 3D projector.
Which president watched the most movies there?
Eisenhower is said to have watched over 200 movies in the room.
One Sound Choice, 8 Tilley Ave, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Call or text (973) 945-5275. We work in homes across Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. Written by Ryan Herd, founder of One Sound Choice.