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Mindy Kaling received this unique greeting inside the White House – here's what we noticed

The Office actress took us inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – where the greeting hall came with a surprise, nostalgic twist

Mindy Kaling
(Image credit: GettyImages)

Actress Mindy Kaling received a National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden during a ceremony at The White House last week – and she brought her fans along for a glimpse inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

The television star and author visited the most famous estate in the country (which is, of course, one of the world's best homes), where the President honored her with the medal on March 22nd. And, while we were inevitably taking note of everything she exchanged with President Biden – we can't help but confess that a moment before the ceremony stole much of our attention. 

Upon arrival, the actress (best known for The Office and Late Night) received a greeting from the United States Marine Band, who played The Office theme tune as she passed through the hall.

'A little while ago, I got a call from Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson that the National Endowment of the Arts and the office of the President wanted to give me the National Medal of Arts for my work in television and as an author. I’m still processing how to receive the news,' Mindy says in a separate post. 

'I went with my family to receive the medal at the White House. To hear the President speak about my parents, their journey to the United States, my late mother’s dreams for me, and the power of comedy to make people understand each other were almost too much to take in. It didn’t feel real.'

We're almost certain that hearing The Office theme around the White House is not common practice, but the actress' post shares another rare moment with her fans: the home's decorating ideas

Mindy Kaling

(Image credit: GettyImages)

During the holidays, the First Lady is known to share snapshots of the White House's Christmas decorations, but at other points of the year, a look behind the famous residence is much less explored. Mindy's video confirms that the home's interiors are just as regal as you might anticipate – with versatile cream walls, statement light fixtures, and a chequered stone floor

A large mirror further accentuates the room's luxury – reflecting the lights and the gold and red curtains that frame the downstairs window.

In the second image in her photo carousel, Mindy shows more of the home's pared-back window treatment ideas – documenting her two children, Katherine and Spencer – on a red velvet chair underneath the cream window.

A look inside the White House and United States Marine Band playing The Office theme are two things we never expected – but we're equally grateful for both opportunities. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.