Often featuring cuisine reflecting the home states of the new President and Vice President, as well as the theme of the Inauguration, the Luncheon program includes speeches, gift presentations from the JCCIC, and toasts to the new administration. While this tradition dates as far back as 1897, when the Senate Committee on Arrangements first gave a luncheon for President McKinley and several other guests at the U.S. Capitol, it did not begin in its current form until 1953.

Statuary Hall

After President Bush takes the oath of office and delivers his Inaugural address, he will be escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the traditional Inaugural Luncheon. Since the 1953 luncheon, the JCCIC has organized a Luncheon celebration in Statuary Hall at eight Presidential Inaugurations.

Inaugural Paintings

Review the paintings used for Inaugural luncheons since Ronald Reagan's 1985 Inauguration, the first Inaugural luncheon to showcase a painting.