Washington, D.C. may be renowned for its uncurated collection of gladhanders and ideologues, but the nation's capitol is less well-known as the home of numerous art, antiques and artifacts collections that aren't housed in museums. All three branches of government have these collections -- with curators in charge of them, to boot -- that probably add more ambiance than cultural enlightenment to visitors.
. . . Approximately 600,000 visitors tour the White House every year, passing through eight rooms and looking into two others, where selected items from a collection of 5,000-6,000 pieces of fine and decorative art (carpets, furniture, paintings, porcelains) are on view, according to William Allman, the White House's curator. The entire collection numbers 40,000 items, but most of that is tableware (china, flatware and glasses) that the public won't see but visiting dignitaries and other invited guests might use. More.
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