The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are among the most beautiful rooms in the world.  For fifty years, the art of diplomacy has thrived in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms against a stunning backdrop of American art and architecture from the time of our country’s founding and of its formative years.  This historically evocative suite (42 rooms) contains a museum-caliber collection of American fine and decorative art (5,000 objects) from the period of 1750-1825. 

Today, the Secretary of State, Vice President, and Members of Cabinet continue to conduct the essential business of diplomacy in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms.  In these State Rooms, the United States signs treaties, conducts summit negotiations, hosts swearing-in ceremonies, facilitates trade agreements, and promotes peace.