The Truman Balcony is the second-floor balcony of the Executive Residence of the White House, which overlooks the South Lawn. It was completed in March 1948, during the presidency of Harry S. Truman.
The Truman Balcony on the second floor of the White House
This photograph, taken at Franklin D. Roosevelt's fourth Inaugural Address, shows the White House's south face before the Truman Balcony was built. The awnings that Truman disliked are visible.
President George W. Bush entertaining Mexican President Vicente Fox on the Truman Balcony in September 2001
The portico before construction of the balcony (photo c. 1910–1935)
The Executive Residence is the central building of the White House complex located between the East Wing and West Wing. It is the most recognizable part of the complex, being the actual "house" part of the White House. This central building, first constructed from 1792 to 1800, is home to the president of the United States and the first family. The Executive Residence primarily occupies four floors: the ground floor, the state floor, the second floor, and the third floor. A sub-basement with a mezzanine, created during the 1948–1952 Truman reconstruction, is used for HVAC and mechanical systems, storage, and service areas.
North facade of the White House Executive Residence
The Diplomatic Reception Room on the ground floor of the White House
The East Room after its last redecoration in 1995
The Green Room in 1999