West Wing

For the television series set in this location, see The West Wing.

The West Wing (in foreground)

The West Wing is the building housing the official offices of the President of the United States. It is the part of the White House Complex in which the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, the Situation Room, and the Roosevelt Room are located. Besides serving as the day-to-day office of the President, the three floors of the West Wing include offices for senior members of the Executive Office of the President of the United States and their support staff. The West Wing is located directly west of the Executive Residence and is largely concealed from view by trees because its height is lower than that of the main structure.

Floor plan of the first floor of the West Wing, showing the location of the Oval Office, Roosevelt Room, Cabinet Room, and others.

White House mess

The West Wing ground floor is also the site of a cafeteria, staffed by Naval culinary specialists and called the White House Mess. It is located underneath the Oval Office, and was established by President Truman on June 11, 1951.

Depiction on The West Wing TV series

Main article: The West Wing

In 1999, The West Wing television series brought greater public attention to the workings of the Presidential staff, as well as to the location of those working in the West Wing. The show followed the working lives of a fictional Democratic American President, Josiah Bartlet, and his senior staff. When asked whether the show accurately captured the working environment in 2003, Press Secretary Scott McClellan commented that the show portrayed more foot traffic and larger rooms than in the real wing.

External links

• White House Museum: West Wing, with floorplan and historical images
• West Wing Interactive, from National Journal Magazine