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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
US President Barack Obama runs down the East Colonnade with family dog Bo

In what the Obama administration is describing as an attempt to increase access to the White House, United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle have teamed up with Google to create a virtual 360-degree tour of the historic building's public rooms.

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
The Vermeil Room of the White House

The initiative is part of the first couple's endeavor to make their official residence "The People's House".

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
The China Room of the White House

"The White House isn't simply a home to First Families or meeting space for world leaders, it's also known as 'The People's House', a place that should be open to everyone. And that's why we have made it a priority to invite young people, military families, and Americans of all ages to join us at the White House," Michelle said in a video welcoming digital users to explore the White House via the Google Art Project .

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
Michelle Obama

Over the past three years, approximately 2.5 million visitors have walked through the gates of The People's House, including Residence tourists, guests at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll events, Fall and Spring Garden Tours, guests at State or Official Arrival Ceremonies and White House Kitchen Garden school group tours.

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
President Barack Obama in the Situation Room of the White House

Now through the Google Art Project, millions more will be able to virtually visit the White House.

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
Guitars rest in a rack in front of a window in the Green Room of the White House

"Thousands of people have walked these halls and gazed at the artwork. They've examined the portraits of Washington, Lincoln, and Kennedy. They've imagined the history that has unfolded here. And now you can do all of that without leaving your home. So go ahead, look around, enjoy the history and the beauty of these rooms. Because after all, this is your house, too," Michelle said.

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
The Oval Office

The Google Art Project, which launched in February 2011, uses Google technology to allow users to view museum objects in high resolution and explore institutions through Google Street View.

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
The White House

The new White House tour is part of a global expansion of the Google Art Project -- today Google announced the project has new partnerships with 29 partners in 16 cities across the country, the White House said.

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An inside tour of the White House

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST
The Flower Shop of the White House

The White House is the only building in the world that is simultaneously the home of a head of state, the executive office of a head of state, and is regularly open to the public for tours.

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Last updated on: April 4, 2012 09:47 IST

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