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Under Secretary for Management
Diplomatic Reception Rooms
  

Diplomatic Reception Rooms

View of one of the Departments Diplomatic Reception RoomsThe Department of State's Diplomatic Reception Rooms are one of the greatest mirrors of America's remarkable cultural accomplishments in fine and decorative arts of the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, visiting Chiefs of State, Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, as well as other distinguished foreign and American guests are entertained officially.

The Rooms opened in 1961. Then they were very much like the rest of this modern State Department building, with wall-to-wall carpeting on concrete floors, brown panelled walls such as those found in offices, and unattractive acoustical ceilings. The exterior walls of the entire eighth floor (where the Diplomatic Rooms are located) were floor-to-ceiling plate glass with explosed steel beams.

The Diplomatic Reception Rooms have since been transformed into a setting worthy of the beautiful objects that reside there. Take a virtual tour to see for yourself.

  
Highlights
Sample of Americana found in Diplomatic Reception Rooms.Becoming a Nation: Americana From the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, a unique exhibition featuring the best craftsmanship and artistic talent of the golden age of American decorative and fine arts from approximately 1750 to 1825, premiered at the Portland (Oregon) Art Museum in April 2003. Check the tour schedule, and take a sneak peek at some of the items that are on exhibit.

  
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