The Diplomatic Reception Rooms

http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/diprooms/index.html

The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are among the most beautiful rooms in the world used for official entertaining. The 18th-century-style rooms are located in the Main State Department building. In this setting the Secretary of State, the Vice President, and Members of the Cabinet entertain the leaders of the world as well as foreign and American dignitaries. They are entertained at luncheons, receptions and dinners. On this tour, you can sample a representative portion of the objects in the Rooms.

The Collection of museum-caliber American furnishings of the period 1750-1825 has been acquired with the generous tax-deductible contributions from public-spirited citizens, foundations, and corporations. Since its inception, the project's only expenditure of tax money has been for salaries and the office expenses of a very small staff.