Hello! This is Realworld, a playable content platform. Today, we'd like to introduce you to a fascinating space.
On September 23, 2024 (local time), a replica White House called 'The People's House' opened at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, just one block from the actual White House in the United States. However, it would be unfair to dismiss it as just a 'replica.' The opening celebration was significant enough for First Lady Jill Biden to attend and give a welcoming address, giving it an authentic feel. So what exactly is this place?
The People's House is a museum operated by The White House Historical Association. This 33,000 square foot (3,065 square meters, approximately 930 pyeong), three-story space is designed to provide an immersive experience of White House history from 1790 to the present and the American presidency. It features various spaces recreated to resemble the real thing, including a 1:5 scale replica of the White House's south facade, the west colonnade known as the 'President's commute,' and the presidential office.
Since public access to the actual White House is difficult and tours have limited capacity, it seems they created this replica White House to make the experience more accessible. While it's not the real thing, if it allows many people to experience the White House, that alone seems to fulfill the meaning of 'The People's House.'
So what immersive elements does The People's House offer? 360° projections showcase various spaces inside the White House, and through interactions with digital portraits, visitors can learn about the roles of different departments within the White House. You can enter meeting rooms to participate in discussions and experience diplomatic scenes in the state dining room.
Particularly noteworthy was a preview event before the official opening, where actors dressed as presidents like Lincoln and Roosevelt appeared to interact with visitors. While this was likely a one-time event, it seems like an excellent way to understand the White House and the achievements of American presidents. Though it may seem like a distant future, as AI and robotics technology advance, I can envision robots resembling presidents permanently stationed at The People's House to provide information to visitors.
In Korea, we also have spaces modeled after presidential offices, such as Cheongnamdae (the former presidential villa) and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. I imagine what it would be like if former presidents appeared like at The People's House, though given the sensitive nature of political issues, it might be somewhat challenging.
While not the real White House, The People's House offers a replica so authentic that visitors can indirectly experience the weight of presidential responsibilities. If I ever have the chance to visit Washington, I'd definitely want to see it. Moving forward, Realworld will continue to introduce various immersive cases as a leader in the experience industry. Thank you.