What Happened To White House’s Historic Movie Theatre?

For more than eight decades, the White House movie theatre has been a symbol of presidential leisure - a private screening room where world leaders watched everything from High Noon to Star Wars. But now,

that storied space is gone. Recent photos from the Associated Press and The New York Times reveal that construction tied to President Donald Trump’s $300 million ballroom project has led to the demolition of the entire East Wing of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - including the historic theatre first built in 1942 under Franklin D. Roosevelt.The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which will eventually host up to 900 guests, is part of a sweeping expansion of the East Wing. According to a source cited by The Hollywood Reporter, the White House theatre will “be modernised and renovated with the rest of the East Wing,” though no official timeline has been announced.

The screening room has long been one of the mansion’s most charming traditions. Over the years, presidents have gathered family, friends, and dignitaries there for private movie nights. Eisenhower famously watched High Noon from a plush armchair, while John F. Kennedy saw From Russia With Love the night before his assassination. Richard Nixon preferred The Sound of Music and Citizen Kane, and Jimmy Carter screened more than 400 films during his single term - everything from All the President’s Men to Star Wars.Also Read: Michael B Jordan In Talks To Star As Rico Tubbs In Joseph Kosinski’s Miami Vice RebootRonald Reagan, a former Hollywood actor himself, ordered a major remodel and frequently revisited Golden Age classics like Stagecoach and Yankee Doodle Dandy. Bill Clinton leaned toward ‘90s blockbusters such as Schindler’s List and Titanic, while George W. Bush and Barack Obama both requested a mix of prestige dramas and family favourites. Even Donald Trump’s first White House screening was Pixar’s Finding Dory, and Joe Biden has continued the tradition with titles like Flamin’ Hot and Till.The White House has stated that Trump’s ballroom project will be completed “long before the end” of his term in 2029. When the dust settles, the nation’s most exclusive movie theatre may return - hopefully with upgraded tech, better seats, and, as some hope, maybe even an ICEE machine.