There couldn’t be a better time to visit Washington DC. On July 1^st, First Lady Michelle Obama announced on social media platforms that the 40-year ban on photography and social media during public tours of the White House will be officially lifted. The rule change will result in some pretty amazing White House selfies and Snapchats.

The decision wasn’t surprising considering President Barrack Obama’s fondness for social media. Interestingly, the policy change was revealed by the First Lady in an Instagram video. “If you’ve been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign,” Says Michelle Obama, as she holds up a sign reading, “No Photos or Social Media Allowed”. “Well, not anymore,” She concludes, and rips the sign in two. Following the policy change, Instagram users rushed to the venue to post shots. From images of the historic rooms to the gardens to the First Dogs, #WhiteHouseTour offers constant updates from inside one of the world’s most famous buildings.

 

 

 

Big news! Starting today, we’re lifting the ban on cameras and photos on the @WhiteHouse public tour. Visitors are now able to take photos and keep those memories for a lifetime! 📷 To learn how to schedule a tour with your friends and family, visit whitehouse.gov.

 

A video posted by First Lady Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on Jul 1, 2015 at 4:47am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a peak into the East Room, where Protocol works with the @whitehouse on many events, including recently the Japan State Dinner. #whitehousetour A photo posted by Office of Protocol (@us_protocol) on Jul 1, 2015 at 6:31am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling stately this morning during my visit to the @whitehouse. 🙌🏾 Follow me on Snapchat 👻 for 📷 fun: diego_downtown #WhiteHouseTour #DC #honestabe #diegodowntown

 

A photo posted by Diego Gonzalez-Zuniga (@diegodowntown) on Jul 1, 2015 at 7:06am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

Check out my #WhiteHouseTour story on #SnapChat 👻 @JakeHammel. A photo posted by Jake Spencer Hammel (@jakehammel) on Jul 1, 2015 at 5:59pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

The East Room is usually packed when @whitehouse holds Medal of Honor ceremonies. Today it’s open to the public and photos of the historic room are encouraged #WhiteHouseTour

 

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Jul 1, 2015 at 6:35am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting placement 😂 #whitehousetour A photo posted by Brian Kelly (@thepointsguy) on Jul 1, 2015 at 7:28am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

We’re famous, basically. #Repost @petesouza with @repostapp. ・・・ Selfies galore on the public White House tour this morning. #whitehousetour

 

A photo posted by Kelly Sharon (@kellylovestype) on Jul 1, 2015 at 10:58am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

A quick sendoff for President @BarackObama. #WhiteHouseTour

 

A photo posted by TODAY (@todayshow) on Jul 1, 2015 at 9:08am PDT