Introducing the
East Room West
The replica East Room, a crown jewel of the Nixon Library, has recently undergone significant improvements including a new stage, retractable LED lighting figures, a state-of-the-art audiovisual system and more.
The Nixon Library’s East Room, originally opened in 2004 and the only replica of the White House East Room, has received several state-of-the-art upgrades which will enable top performance quality shows, presentations, and musical concerts at the venue.
The new East Room West now boasts first-class audiovisual capabilities, a performance-worthy LED lighting system, retractable screens, new staging capabilities, restored wooden floors, renewed draperies, and new portraits of George Washington, Martha Washington, William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
The upgrades include the installation of a new audiovisual system that will allow programs and performances to be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook, allowing the many events in the East Room West to be viewed as they happen by people across the world. All elements installed in the ceiling can be concealed when the East Room West is not in use.
The East Room West was unveiled on January 9, in celebration of the 107th anniversary of President Nixon’s birth. The opening ceremony was led by Foundation President Hugh Hewitt and included remarks from White House Curator Bill Allman, followed by singing, dance, and instrumental performances from some of Orange County’s most promising young artists. This premiere performance in the East Room West was delivered by Orange County Music and Dance.
Star Supporters
Orange County philanthropists Charlie and Ling Zhang generously funded the renovations to the East Room West with a $500,000 gift.
Charlie Zhang immigrated to the U.S. from China with a clarinet and $20 in his pocket in 1980 – just one year after renewed U.S.-China diplomatic relations became official as a result of President Nixon’s historic visit to the isolated country in 1972.
Zhang went on to create the wildly successful fast-casual restaurant chain Pick Up Stix, but he has never forgotten President Nixon’s role in his life, and often declares “No Nixon, No Charlie.”
The Zhangs embody the American Dream. The Nixon Foundation Board of Directors thanks them for their continued support of furthering President Nixon’s legacy.
