Visit George W. Bush Presidential Center

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum – Museum
#4 of 100 things to do in Dallas

The George W. Bush Presidential Center, which opened on April 25, 2013, is a complex that includes former President George W. Bush’s presidential library and museum, the George W. Bush Policy Institute, … Wikipedia

Dallas, Texas is home to a world-class institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 43rd President of the United States: the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), this 23-acre center includes the Presidential Library and Museum (administered by the National Archives and Records Administration) and the George W. Bush Institute (a nonpartisan policy organization). The museum attracts visitors from around the globe who want to understand eight consequential years in American history, from the September 11, 2001 attacks to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the creation of PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), and the response to Hurricane Katrina.

Whether you are a history buff exploring Oval Office replicas, a student researching the American presidency, a parent looking for a meaningful educational outing, or a tourist wanting to see artifacts from 9/11 and White House pets, this guide provides everything you need to know—from ticket prices and hours to exhibits, family programs, parking, and the free Civics for All of US initiative .

The George W. Bush Presidential Center opened on May 1, 2013. It is the 13th Presidential Library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) . NARA serves as the nation’s official keeper of records of the Federal Government. The Bush Library promotes an understanding of the American presidency, examines the eight years of the Bush administration (2001–2009), explores important issues of public policy, and provides access to official records and artifacts .

The center is set on a prairie restoration landscape designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh, featuring native Texas grasses and wildflowers. The museum’s permanent exhibits are spread over two floors and include a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, a timeline of the 2001 terrorist attacks, a medal of honor display, and rotating temporary exhibitions.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Official Name: George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum (part of the George W. Bush Presidential Center)

• Location: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205 (on the SMU campus)

• Phone: +1-214-346-1650

• Official Website: https://www.georgewbushlibrary.gov

• Campus Size: 23 acres

• Admission: Paid (children under 5 free; active military free)

Hours & Ticket Prices

Opening Hours

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day (January 20 every four years).

Note: Last entry is at 4:00 PM . The museum closes promptly at 5:00 PM. The busiest times are weekends and school holidays (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM). For a quieter experience, visit on weekday afternoons (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).

Ticket Prices

Tickets can be purchased online in advance (recommended) or at the museum box office. Online tickets are non-refundable but guarantee entry during peak times.

Membership: The Friends of the George W. Bush Presidential Library membership program starts at approximately $60/year and includes unlimited free admission, discounts at the museum store, and invitations to special events.

Discounts: The museum participates in Blue Star Museums (free admission for active-duty military families summer through Labor Day) and Museums for All (free or reduced admission for SNAP/WIC recipients – call for details).

Permanent Exhibits & Activities for Adults and Children

The George W. Bush Presidential Museum features two floors of permanent exhibits plus a rotating temporary exhibition gallery. The museum is designed to be engaging for visitors aged 10 and up, though younger children will enjoy the presidential pets exhibit and the Oval Office replica.

🏛️ For Adults: History, Policy & Reflection

1. The September 11, 2001 Gallery
   This powerful exhibit, titled “9/11: The Steel of American Resolve,” explores how President Bush led the national response in the uncertain days after the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people . The gallery includes:

   • A piece of steel from the World Trade Center.

   • The bullhorn President Bush used to address first responders at Ground Zero.

   • A timeline of the morning of September 11, including the President’s handwritten notes.

   • Video footage of his address to the nation.

   This is a sobering, deeply moving exhibit appropriate for teens and adults. Parental guidance is advised for children under 12.

2. The Oval Office Replica
   A full-scale, walk-through replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during the Bush administration. You can sit behind the Resolute Desk (a reproduction) and have your photo taken. This is one of the most popular spots in the museum for all ages.

3. The Decision Points Theater
   An interactive theater experience that puts you in the President’s shoes during key moments of his presidency, including the surge in Iraq. You make decisions, hear advisors, and then compare your choices to the President’s actual decisions. Excellent for adults and teens interested in political science.

4. The Global Health and PEPFAR Exhibit
   President Bush’s signature achievement, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) , has saved an estimated 25 million lives in Africa and around the world. The exhibit includes artifacts from African clinics and a video testimony from survivors.

5. The Freedom and Democracy Wall
   A multimedia display tracking the spread of democracy around the world during the Bush years, including the liberation of Afghanistan and Iraq (with a timeline of the removal of the Taliban and Saddam Hussein).

6. The Medal of Honor and Military Heroes Wall
   Honors American service members who received the Medal of Honor in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Includes personal letters and uniform artifacts.

7. Digital Exhibits and Galleries (available online and on-site)
   The museum offers digital exhibits exploring selections of artifacts, archived photographs, videos, and historic documents housed in the library . Examples include:

   • *9/11: The Steel of American Resolve* (full digital version)

   • The President’s Desk (interactive tour)

8. Research and Topic Guides
   For researchers and serious history buffs, the library provides access to Presidential records (textual, electronic, and audiovisual). Many records are available to the public for research, education, and information purposes . You can browse topic guides and search finding aids online or by appointment in the research room.

👧 For Children & Families: Presidential Pets, Oval Office Photos & Civics Programs

1. Presidential Pets: The Dogs, Cats, and Other Animals That Lived in the White House
   This rotating exhibit is a family favorite. It tells the story of the more than 275 pets that have lived in the White House, including:

   • Dogs, cats, sheep, horses, birds, opossums, bobcats, donkeys, squirrels, pigs, badgers, snakes, goats, rabbits, fish, bear cubs, and even an alligator!

   • Featured pet: Barney and Miss Beazley – the Bushes’ Scottish terriers.

   • Children can see photographs, pet-themed artifacts, and a vintage White House pet bed.

   Note: This is a temporary exhibit. Check the website for its current status. If not on display, the museum still features photos of Barney and Miss Beazley throughout the galleries.

2. Civics for All of US Program (Free)
   Civics for All of US is the national civic education initiative from the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the National Archives . The mission is to build civic literacy and engagement by providing exemplary civic education resources and programs for all ages using the records of the U.S. Government .

   For families and children:

   • Online and on-site workshops for grades K–12 on topics like “The Constitution, the Presidency, and Civic Engagement.”

   • Free downloadable activity sheets (coloring pages, word searches, and civics-themed puzzles).

   • Virtual field trips (live, interactive sessions with a National Archives educator).

   For teachers and homeschoolers: Free curriculum resources aligned with national and state standards. Schedule a classroom visit or a virtual program through the library’s education department.

3. The Oval Office Photo Op
   Children of all ages love sitting at the replica of the Resolute Desk. Staff photographers are available, but you are also welcome to take your own photos (no flash). This is a free activity included with admission.

4. The Secret Service and Gifts Gallery
   Children can see the official gifts given to President and Mrs. Bush by foreign leaders (stuffed animals, carved figures, sports memorabilia). Also on display: a Secret Service vehicle used during the administration.

5. The Texas Rose Garden (Outdoors, free area)
   Outside the museum is a beautiful, landscaped Texas rose garden and a prairie restoration trail (open during museum hours, weather permitting). Families can walk the path, spot native plants, and take photos with the museum’s iconic limestone building in the background.

6. Scout Badge Programs
   The museum offers workshops for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts to earn badges related to citizenship, American history, and leadership. Contact the education department for scheduling.

7. Summer Reading and Family Days
   The library occasionally hosts family days with crafts, storytelling, and historical reenactors. Check the website’s “Events” calendar for dates.

Digital Exhibits & Online Resources (Free, Available Anytime)

The George W. Bush Presidential Library offers extensive free online content that you can explore before or after your visit:

Visit https://www.georgewbushlibrary.gov and click “Research, Learn, and Explore” to access all resources .

Temporary Exhibits

The museum’s temporary exhibition gallery changes every 6–12 months. Recent and recurring themes include:

Check the museum’s “Exhibits” page for the current temporary exhibit.

The George W. Bush Institute (Adjacent, Not a Museum)

The George W. Bush Institute is located in the same building as the library and museum but is a separate nonpartisan policy organization focused on education reform, global health, economic growth, and women’s empowerment. Visitors to the museum do not automatically see the Institute’s offices, but the Institute occasionally hosts public lectures and forums (ticketed separately). Check the website for events.

Parking & Public Transportation

🚗 Parking

The George W. Bush Presidential Center has a dedicated paid parking garage on site. Additional free and paid options are available nearby.

Pro Tip: The on-site garage is the most convenient, especially on hot or rainy days. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure a spot. On free admission days (e.g., Blue Star Museums summer), the garage fills quickly.

🚌 Public Transportation (DART)

• DART Bus: Route #207 stops at SMU Boulevard and Bush Library (5-minute walk).

• DART Rail: Mockingbird Station (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver lines) is 1.5 miles away. Transfer to DART bus #207 or take a short rideshare.

• SMU Express Shuttle: Free for museum visitors? Check at the information desk; limited schedule.

Address for GPS: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205 .

Accessibility

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is fully accessible to all visitors.

For specific accessibility questions, call +1-214-346-1650 or email [email protected].

Dining & Shopping

Pro Tip: Café 43 lines are longest from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Consider eating at 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM for shorter waits.

Nearby Attractions

The Bush Center is located on the SMU campus, which is near several Dallas attractions.

Pro Tip: Combine a visit to the Bush Center with the SMU Meadows Museum (free) for a half-day of presidential history and Spanish art.

Tips for Your Visit

1. Buy tickets online – Weekend and holiday time slots sell out. Online purchase guarantees entry.

2. Allow 2–3 hours – The average visit takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Add 30 minutes if you plan to eat at Café 43.

3. Plan for the 9/11 gallery with teens – The 9/11 exhibit contains graphic images and video footage. Parental guidance is suggested for children under 12.

4. Take the Oval Office photo – No flash photography is allowed, but the lighting is good. A staff photographer is available, or you can use your own phone.

5. Check for temporary exhibits – Presidential Pets is a rotating exhibit; if it is not on display, ask at Visitor Services for the “Barney and Miss Beazley” photos elsewhere in the museum.

6. Visit on a weekday – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are significantly less crowded than Fridays and Saturdays.

7. Use the free Civics for All of US resources – Download activity sheets before your visit to keep children engaged in the galleries.

8. Dress in layers – The museum is climate-controlled, but the Decision Points Theater can be cool (68°F). The prairie trail is outdoors and sunny.

9. No large bags – Backpacks and large purses are not allowed in the galleries. Lockers are available for rent ($1) near the entrance.

10. Photography rules – Handheld photography is permitted for personal use. No flash, tripods, selfie sticks, or video recording without prior approval .

Upcoming Events & Seasonal Programs

The Bush Library and Museum hosts a variety of public programs throughout the year.

All events are posted on the museum’s “Events” page. Sign up for the email newsletter on the website for early notification of free days and lecture tickets.

Research & Educational Opportunities

The George W. Bush Presidential Library is a functioning research institution with archives open to the public.

• Research Room Hours: By appointment only, Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Contact the library via the website.

• Records Available: Textual, electronic, and audiovisual Presidential records; domestic and foreign gifts ; National Security Council records; White House Office records.

• Topic Guides: Available online for the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, PEPFAR, the 2004 election, Supreme Court nominations, and more .

• For Teachers: The library offers Civics for All of US lesson plans, primary source sets, and professional development workshops .

Researchers (including students, journalists, and scholars) should start at the “Research” section of the website to request materials and schedule an appointment.

The President’s Words: A Farewell Quote

At the entrance to the museum, you will see President George W. Bush’s farewell address to the nation, delivered on January 15, 2009 . It reads:

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love.”

This quote sets the tone for a visit that is respectful, educational, and deeply American.

Stay Connected:

Follow the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum for historical photos, exhibit news, free educational resources, and event announcements.

• YouTube: George W. Bush Presidential Library – Oral histories, lecture videos, and digital exhibit walkthroughs

• Facebook: George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum – Daily posts, anniversary commemorations, and archival photos

• X (Twitter): @BushLibrary – Quick updates, research announcements, and weather closures

• Instagram: @georgewbushlibrary – Powerful imagery from the Bush presidency, Oval Office replica photos, and behind-the-scenes exhibits

• LinkedIn: George W. Bush Presidential Library – Professional development and research opportunities

George W. Bush Presidential Center, North Central Expressway, University Crossing PID, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, 75026

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