Demolition began this week on the White House Family Theater and the rest of the East Wing to clear space for a $300 million ballroom, closing a storied chapter in presidential moviegoing. Built from a cloakroom in 1942, the roughly 40-seat venue hosted screenings for presidents from Roosevelt to Trump and was refurbished under Laura Bush in 2004. Author Matt Lambros called the loss “bulldozing a piece of American history.” The White House declined NPR’s request for comment and has not confirmed plans to rebuild a theater.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.