The white building is located directly on the banks of the Rhine, near the Palais Schaumburg—the Federal Chancellor’s official residence in Bonn—and the former government district. The villa has served as the official residence of the Federal President since 1950 and is nicknamed the “White House on the Rhine.” Its defining features include its neoclassical architecture, its stately façade, the Rhine terrace, and the spacious park that frames the building from the riverbank.
Political history is not presented here as a museum exhibit, but is part of the state architecture that remains in use to this day: The villa continues to serve as the Federal President’s official residence in Bonn and is used for meetings, receptions, and events. When the Federal President is staying at the Rhine, the standard is hoisted on the roof. Villa Hammerschmidt is occasionally open to the public during major public events such as the Festival of Democracy and open house days, or as part of guided tours.
