The Office of the U.S. President is one of the most powerful, consequential, and complex jobs in the world. Explore the presidency through our object-rich online exhibition, virtual Oval Office tour, and free curriculum with detailed units about presidential leadership.

Explore the Exhibition

Using artwork and objects, trace the evolution of the presidency and executive branch and how presidents have interpreted and fulfilled their leadership role.

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Explore the Exhibition

Using artwork and objects, trace the evolution of the presidency and executive branch and how presidents have interpreted and fulfilled their leadership role.

Learn more

Explore the Curriculum

Unit 1—Presidential Leadership During Crisis

Explore how presidents lead through case studies of Harry S. Truman, who established the United States’ approach to Cold War relations, and Ronald Reagan, who consoled the nation after the loss of the space shuttle Challenger.

Tour the Oval Office

Take a virtual walk around New-York Historical's replica of the Oval Office that's on view at the Museum now.

Step Inside

Tour the Oval Office

Take a virtual walk around New-York Historical's replica of the Oval Office that's on view at the Museum now.

Step Inside

Lead support for the installation of the Oval Office provided by Ira A. Lipman with generous support from Richard Gilder and Leonard & Judy Lauder. The Suzanne Peck and Brian Friedman Meet the Presidents Gallery is made possible by a generous gift from Suzanne Peck and Brian Friedman.

Construction of the Oval Office installation is supported, in part, by public funds from Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council as part of our Citizenship Project.

The work of the Presidential Historical Commission has been made possible by the generous support of Leonard A. Lauder and the late Ira A. Lipman.

Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Evelyn & Seymour Neuman Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.