Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State

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The Art of
Welcoming
the World

For more than half a century, the art of diplomacy has thrived in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms against a magnificent backdrop of art and architecture that illustrates the best of America through its history, its artistic accomplishments, and the inspiring values on which our nation was founded.

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The Rooms

Step Inside
The Diplomatic Reception Rooms have served as the gracious setting for many of our country’s most significant diplomatic achievements. Characterized by their rare beauty, classical balance, and quiet dignity, these State Rooms convey a vivid sense of the American spirit.

The Entrance Hall

The Thomas Jefferson State Reception Room

The Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room

The John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room

The Dolley Madison Powder Room

The Edward Vason Jones Memorial Hall

The Gallery

The Henry Clay State Dining Room

The James Madison State Dining Room

The James Monroe State Reception Room

The Martha Washington Ladies Lounge

The Passageway

The Secretaries of State Terrace

The Entrance Hall
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The Thomas Jefferson State Reception Room
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The Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room
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The John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room
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The Dolley Madison Powder Room
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The Edward Vason Jones Memorial Hall
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The Gallery
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The Henry Clay State Dining Room
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The James Madison State Dining Room
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The James Monroe State Reception Room
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The Martha Washington Ladies Lounge
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The Passageway
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The Secretaries of State Terrace
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Collection

The Art of Diplomacy
The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are home to an unparalleled collection of fine and decorative art from the time of our country’s founding and formative years — all gifts of American citizens to our nation. These objects come together to form a reflection of our cultural heritage that is proudly shared by the American people as their ambassador to the world.
Explore The Collection

Coming Soon

America’s Collection
On September 5th, Rizzoli will release the first book in over two decades on the DRRs — a fresh and stunning history of the state rooms’ architecture, collection, and role in diplomatic history.
Pre-Order Today

Articles

Museum Perspectives

 In Museum Perspectives, The Office of Fine Arts shares their work, initiatives, research, and discoveries as custodians of one of the great American collections.

  Recent Articles  

History | Featured

Making Our Mark: Establishing a New Logo for the Diplomatic Reception Rooms

Bri Brophy and
 |  November 05, 2021
The Office of Fine Arts is pleased to introduce the new logo of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms – a richly storied symbol sourced from the heart of the State Rooms that captures their history, beauty, mission, and meaning.
Collection

Materials Spotlight: Porcelain

The Office of Fine Arts and
 | March 4, 2021
Rooms

Painting With Light: Gilding the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room

William Adair and
 | March 4, 2021
Collection

Materials Spotlight: Silver & Other Metals

The Office of Fine Arts and
 | March 4, 2021
Read More

DRR collection

Patriotic Porcelain
The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are home to one of the finest collections of porcelain objects produced for the American market. Made in China, France, England, and America, these objects reflect the fervent patriotism of the new nation, and commemorate its founders, milestones, and achievements.
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Chinese Export Porcelain Sauce Tureen and Cover

Chinese Export Porcelain Sauce Tureen and Cover
Unknown
ca. 1790-1810
ceramic; porcelain
Chinese Export Porcelain Trembleuse Saucer from Martha Washington's States Service

Chinese Export Porcelain Trembleuse Saucer from Martha Washington's States Service
van Braam Houckgeest, Andreas Everardus
ca. 1795
ceramic; porcelain with polychrome enamels
Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Berry Dish

Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Berry Dish
Unknown
ca. 1785
ceramic; porcelain with polychrome enamels and underglaze blue

Our History

Mr. Conger’s Vision
When the Diplomatic Reception Rooms first opened, the modern spaces were sparsely appointed with government-issued furniture and accessories, and little other decor. Shortly thereafter, Deputy Chief of Protocol Clement Conger embarked on the Americana Project with the singular vision of transforming these State Rooms into period settings that showcase the best of American fine and decorative arts.
The Americana Project