The Hidden Story of Jacqueline Kennedy’s White House Garden and Its Unexpected Fate During Renovations
The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden (left) was torn up with the East Wing during recent White House construction (right).
Credit :
Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty; Eric Lee/Getty
In a poignant reminder of the past, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and the East Wing of the White House were recently dismantled during a major renovation. This demolition marks a significant shift in the historical landscape of the presidential residence.
Originally dedicated on April 22, 1965, by First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, the garden was a tribute to the elegance and vision of former President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline. “Only a short while ago, sometimes it seems only days, this wonderful old building was occupied by the 35th American president and his first lady,” Johnson remarked during the dedication ceremony, recalling their youthful charm and grace.
The garden, designed by horticulturist Bunny Mellon, was intended as a peaceful retreat, providing spaces for “repose” and “reflection” beside both the West Wing and East Wing. Johnson emphasized its importance, stating, “There could be only one name for this garden,” thereby bestowing upon it the title “Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.”
Despite being overshadowed by the more well-known Rose Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden served as a secondary venue for various events, including presidential award ceremonies and tea gatherings hosted by first ladies. Under Hillary Clinton’s tenure, the garden was transformed into a sculpture garden, featuring contemporary artworks.
However, on October 20, 2025, exactly 60 years after its dedication, the site met its fate as demolition crews commenced work on the East Wing to make space for an extensive new ballroom proposed by President Donald Trump. This plan envisioned a sprawling 90,000-square-foot facility but led to the elimination of not only the East Wing but also the serene Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.
As this storied area was dismantled, a White House official confirmed that there are plans to reconstruct the garden in the future. Nonetheless, the specifics remain uncertain as the overall scope and design of the ballroom project are still evolving.
Architectural renderings presented during a January meeting with the National Capital Planning Commission suggested that a new garden could be integrated along the East Colonnade post-construction. However, it remains unclear whether this garden will adhere to Jacqueline Kennedy’s original aesthetic or retain her name. The completion of the White House Ballroom is anticipated by 2028.
