The People’s House museum exhibit in Washington, D.C., has updated its full-scale replica of the Oval Office to reflect the current design used by President Donald Trump during his second term. The overhaul, completed on Saturday, October 3, 2026, includes 24 portraits in gilded frames, golden wall appliqués, and various tabletop replicas. Luke Boorady, managing director of the exhibit, stated the goal of the update is to help visitors feel more connected to the presidential workspace.
The project was carried out by a crew of 25 people who worked from Monday, September 28, through Friday, October 2, to install the new elements. Design teams from North Carolina, Indiana, California, Virginia, and Canada contributed specialized work, including 3D scanning, hand-carving frames, and replicating vases. Designers visited the actual Oval Office while the president was away to ensure the accuracy of the museum's rendition, which maintains the same dimensions as the original room.
The replica retains several historical pieces that remain in the real office, including a rug from the Reagan administration, draperies from the Clinton era, and furniture from the George W. Bush administration. It also features a reproduction of the Resolute Desk, which visitors are permitted to sit behind. While the real Oval Office uses gold leaf for its accents, the museum utilized a gold paint solution to prevent damage from public interaction. The White House Historical Association, which operates the exhibit using private donations, did not disclose the cost of the renovation.
The scale of the changes involves dozens of specific items, including 24 portraits of historical figures like George Washington and Andrew Jackson, and two mirrors that mirror the layout of the current executive office. Visitors to the museum—which is funded by private donations and retail sales rather than federal tax dollars—will notice these visual changes immediately in the exhibit’s aesthetic. The transition from the previous design to the current one represents a concrete shift in how the presidency is presented to the estimated thousands of daily visitors who use the museum's interactive spaces.
Beyond the museum, these design choices reflect broader changes President Trump has ordered for the White House grounds, including a $400 million ballroom project currently under construction following the demolition of the East Wing. Trump told Time magazine on October 1, 2026, that he wishes to have his Oval Office modifications designated as a federal landmark. The museum has now completed three versions of the room since 2024, having previously displayed designs from the Biden administration and Trump's first term. The current exhibit remains open to the public as the administration continues other renovations at the White House.