Yoichi Okamoto: Exhibition Grand Opening & Reception
The Austrian Press and Information Service celebrated the Grand Opening of its newest exhibition at the Embassy. "From Vienna to the White House: Yoichi Okamoto & the American Century" presents the life and work of Yoichi Okamoto, who served as President Lyndon B. Johnson’s official White House photographer from 1964 to 1968. Before coming to The White House, Okamoto was the head of the Pictorial Division of the U.S. Information Agency in Vienna from 1946 until 1954, producing a massive pictorial record not only of the the country’s reconstruction after World War II, but of Austrian life at large.
Ambassador Petra Schneebauer was pleased to welcome a very special guest for the event. Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson attended the Grand Opening at the Embassy. During her opening remarks, Ambassador Schneebauer presented Ms. Johnson Robb with a personal gift, a photograph of Ms. Johnson Robb's daughter and her father, President Lyndon B. Johnson, taken by Yoichi Okamoto. Ms. Johnson Robb had never seen the photo before and was genuinely touched by the gesture.
In addition, relatives of Yoichi Okamoto himself came all the way to Washington, D.C., to honor the Ambassador with their presence. Before all guests were able to tour the exhibition, Hans Petschar, Director of the Pictorial Archives of the Austrian National Library, and Mark Lawrence, Director of the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, introduced the audience to the fascinating life and work of Yoichi Okamoto.
The exhibition is on view until summer 2024. To book a tour please email washington-id@bmeia.gv.at. Viewing hours are by appointment: Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
