The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Get an in-depth, interactive look at eight years of presidential history at America's 13th presidential library and museum. Explore important issues and events of the administration of President George W. Bush as framed by four themes: freedom, opportunity, compassion and responsibility. NEW FOR 2016: Step into the candidates' shoes in "PATH TO THE PRESIDENCY," a special exhibit on the history of campaigns and elections in the United States. Extend your visit with a stroll through the 15-acre Native Texas Park, enjoy a meal at Café 43, and take home a piece of the presidency from the Museum Store.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • SAE44
    Bristol, United Kingdom209 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating
    We visited on a Saturday morning and the museum was not crowded and very pleasant to walk round. We walked the 15 minutes or so from the Mockingbird DART station. The exhibits are fascinating, particularly the section on 9/11, which was very moving. We also enjoyed the replica of the Oval Office and the Rose Garden. An added bonus was lunch in Cafe 43. We had the best soup and sandwich ever! The service was very friendly and efficient. We highly recommend a visit if you’re in Dallas.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 17, 2023
  • Robert M
    Austin, Texas503 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for the Bush fan or history buff
    I think I've tried to visit about five times and I finally got in! Various closings and me not looking at their hours conspired against me. But on this beautiful spring day, I was able to visit. The inside and the outside gardens are fantastic. I think the gardens are now one of my favorites in Texas. The place is full of memorabilia and lays it out in a very interesting way. Often I go to a museum or other place and wonder why I felt like I could do better just looking at things online. In this case, it was much deeper, richer and more meaningful than most on-line, museums by prose that I have been to. I think I got a better understanding of George W and Barbara Bush and enjoyed the visit. Whether you are a rabid Bush fan or merely a passing history buff, this is definitely going to have something for you.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 17, 2023
  • kantbyluv
    Coconut Creek, Florida128 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do while in Dallas worth the $$
    This place was amazing. I am not a big museum person but I purchased a Dallas city pass and tried it out. My family and I went and it was very informative and I was very impressed. It was very clean and the staff was very friendly. We got a chance to take a pic in the Oval office which was exactly like the one in the white house. The staff in there explained alot of things and even made it fun for the kids to take turns to play president.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 9, 2023
  • PresidentsTraveler
    116 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful museum!
    This museum is the most beautiful of the four presidential museums I visited on my trip through Arkansas and Texas. Of the four, I rank this one as 3rd because I found the first George Bush museum and the LBJ museum more interesting. This one, though, is far superior to the Clinton museum. I was not a fan of George W Bush, but his museum is beautiful and well-done; a person can tell a lot of money has built this place. If nothing else, his baseball collection is reason enough to visit. I thought it was easy to access in the busy city of Dallas.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 17, 2023
  • Curious786327
    Aiken, South Carolina52 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting afternoon.
    Interesting perspective of the Bush years. 9/11 coverage was very moving, but it was much more than that. Covered all aspects of his presidency. One of the more interesting items was a interactive game where you are given conflicting advice, a constantly changing situation and you have to make a decision on the best way to go. Then you hear about the choice Bush made and why. Gives a real life view of the hard choices that come with the position.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 14, 2023
  • Keith D
    Richardson, Texas558 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good Museum
    The George W Bush Museum is a good experience all around. Solid exhibits that focus on Bush’s time in office and family. Much of the exhibits are dedicated to 9/11 and the combat operations that followed. The signature display is a recreation of the Oval Office. Research parking ahead of time as it is not well marked and can be hard to find.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 25, 2023
  • digitalroc
    Calgary, Canada1,869 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oval Office
    The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum has a pricey admission at $26 USD. I spent 90 minutes inside looking at all the artifacts and exhibits. It’s a really beautiful museum inside. I enjoyed the interactive Decision Points Theatre, as well as the 911 and Oval Office exhibits, but I would not pay the absurd $35 price for the Oval Office photos.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 28, 2023
  • Nancy M
    McKinney, Texas254 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much history I either didn't know or had forgotten.
    The building is very well organized - everything flows. The lighting is muted, it's spacious, it was not crowded. Enjoyed where their two daughters talked about his sense of humor. Had lunch in the "cafe". It's really an upscale restaurant with a limited menu. The food was OK. It was not clear whether we could go to the back building (the library or not, so we didn't).
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 18, 2024
  • KaraXYZ
    New York City, New York132 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bush library AND Texas A & M football!
    I’ve been fortunate to visit quite a number of presidential libraries. This one has a lot of varied information about Bush from his childhood, his presidency, and his personal hobbies, etc. There’s also an entire gallery devoted to Texas A & M - the history of their football team, and the traditions surrounding it at their school; amazing memorabilia, and great explanations and photos. My one complaint is that the path is not clearly laid out, and you’re often having to choose which way to go and then backtrack to ensure you see everything. Allow two hours. Oh, and check out their event schedule. We were so lucky to attend a special program at the Annenberg center in the next building. They do a lot of programming for the students and include the public.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 6, 2024
  • Trippin with Dusty
    Edina, Minnesota43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved it! Excellent Presidential museum
    This is an excellent Presidential museum. There are many exhibits that are very personable. There's an exact replica of the oval office, which is amazing. You can get a professional photo with the resolute desk, but it will cost you. The 9/11 exhibit choked me up. They have the names of everyone who died on the wall. There's a great video that is hosted by the girls (Jenna and Barbara) that gives you a nice personal look into the family. If you want to see the situation room and/or cabinet room you need to make sure you check the schedule online to get the presentation times for those. You can't just walk into them. I highly recommend you visit this museum.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written March 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,878 reviews
Excellent
2,707
Very good
871
Average
226
Poor
49
Terrible
26

oBrasileiro
39 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
Not worth

Went with my wife this past Sunday. She wanted to see the special Christmas exhibit. 
It was our first time, and will be the last. Very disappointing. 
Starting with parking. Paid over $8 for parking. 
The Christmas exhibit was somehow interesting, but too short, and the regular side with the Oval Office Replica (only thing that got my attention, but still not worth) didn't have much to see either.

Had food at the restaurant, that is open to anyone to go, and was delicious. 

The souvenir store at the end, like every museum and such places got, is waaay too expensive. 

So, unless you're a huge fan of the Bushes, don't waste your time.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FayeBee
Houston, TX58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Scratch another Presidential Library off my list!

Most of the exhibits were informative and cool.

One section deals with Dubya's life in and out of the White House. I love the short film that dealt with his sense of humor.

The other section has a temporary "Christmas at the White House" exhibit that includes a replica of the Christmas tree during his administration. Others in the section dealt with the National Parks. Oh yeah, the Christmas tree's ornaments were all hand painted, and represented the National Parks.

The gift shop was pretty much stereotypical. The staff-on-duty were very helpful; I wanted to get one of the 3/4 sleeved t-shirts that was on display and was told all that was left was in the small size. Oh well. I did buy me a magnet and coffee cup, though.

I enjoyed being here, and would visit again.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wwright3808
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum are well worth the time to tour.
Ticket prices are very reasonable. The layout of the museum is really conducive to following the timeline of his presidency.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sylvia
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
This museum just hits you in the face from the get go displaying the events of 911; it’s really powerful and well done! But my favorite thing was the end of the tour; you get to listen in on the advise given to President Bush, and can give your input if you think they gave good advise. Me and my daughter enjoyed this part. Always have great special exhibitions there too with photo ops!
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sue B
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
An almost total lack of signage makes the library much more difficult to visit than necessary including both signage to park and to find the library entrance. By the time I made multiple u-turns to figure out parking, then I had to just guess where the entrance was. Went to the Institute first and had to walk up a long flight of stairs and around to find the actual library entrance. Very frustrating and not a good start to the visit. The library itself was fine, but had one of the most expensive entrance fees of the presidential libraries, plus parking was not free. And a sign just outside the entrance said you must buy online tickets to enter, so I stood right outside the door having to navigate a website to buy a ticket while a security person stood nearby. Once I finally got inside, I was told I could have purchased a ticket at the desk. Very frustrating and reflects poorly on the George W. and Laura Bush.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark
101 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Every part was educational and much of it very emotional. 9/11 was a big part of the archives. Staff were attentive, but not in a push way. This is a bucket-list must do. I expect it's prettier in the Spring where the garden and stuff is in better bloom.

The negative was the gift shop. Most items were waaaay over priced, and only the well-healed good enjoy. They wanted to charge $25 for a picture they took of you. My mantra is a little money is better than none. Many could not afford such a high cost. Parking is a little pricey, too. The lunch place looked like they had some very good food. However, again, it's for the well-healed of Dallas as many of us could not afford the prices.

All in all, a very nice visit.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TennisStar602
New Jersey668 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
George W. Bush‘s Presidential Library was my third (3rd) presidential library visit. I was in middle school through college when George W. Bush was the president. It was most interesting to go to this museum, because these historical events happened during a time in which I was alive and in which I was able to remember such events happening. There was a significant portion of the presidency dedicated to diseases; Hurricane Katrina; the September 11, 2001 attacks; and Bush’s familial and education experiences. There were many statues of Bush, and there was a re-creation of the Oval Office, but to get a picture at the Oval Office desk, individuals had to pay to purchase said photograph. The museum cost me twenty-three dollars ($23.00) admission with almost eleven dollars ($11.00) in parking fees at an adjacent parking lot. I thought that these prices were very steep, and I wish that the parking price was complementary. There were historical displays of American history in another wing of the building. The rose garden on the premises was very pretty, and although I did not purchase anything, there was a gift shop. Individuals had to go through a metal detector. Dorbert and Wayne were very helpful. This facility is found on the campus of Southern Methodist University, and this campus was very scenic and safe.
Written March 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WICampFamily
Madison, WI86 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The Good: A really nicely done presidential library that covers the highlights, in my opinion, both the good and bad of his presidency
The Bad: None that I can note for an adult, probably not the place for younger children

Overview:
Very nice building just off US 75 in Dallas on the SMU campus. Easy to get to, easy parking which is reasonable, maybe a bit pricey.

Very nice staff getting us started. Admission I thought was reasonable. Nice area where you enter that has a nice 4-sided video display. Somewhat difficult to watch as you find yourself turning around to see different things on each wall.

Yes, there are a lot of things to read if you have the time. But the entire exhibit guides you through GW's presidency highlighting different major events. The 9/11 exhibit I thought was done quite well. Timeline of everything that President Bush did through the day of, and the days immediately following the attack showing his involvement in all of the events surrounding that horrible day.

There is a full-sized replica of the Oval Office that had a guide talking guests through many of the details of the office while Bush was in office, but also talking about how some things are changed from one administration to the next.

There are interactive components, one being an area where you, along with other guests, choose a crisis and hear pros and cons for taking action just like the president did. You get to individually choose how you would have handled the crisis, compare that to other participants, and then hear from the president how and why he handled the situation as he did. Very nice piece that helps you to appreciate the job that he did.

Things even got into the rest of his family, the presidential dog, before the presidency, and a little bit after. It was not an overly long exhibit. We spent roughly 2 hours there and, while we didn't go through every piece to read, we felt like we had a better appreciation for his presidency.

There is a nice gift shop upon exit, but it was not overdone.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

drw2112
Franklin Park, IL402 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Wanted to come here and see the museum after seeing a story about George on Television about his paintings of famous immigrants. The museum was very well done with many interesting stories from his life. Very nice displays, replica of his Oval office and his actual paintings on display was a nice treat. Overall an enjoyable and educational history of our former president.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NemoTraveler
Aarhus, Denmark697 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
The Library and Museum is located on the SMU campus in the northern part of Dallas. Parking is available but we chose to take the DART to the Mockingbird station. From there a free bus to and from the museum is available. Admission is USD 26 with discounts for children, seniors etc.

The museum is large and modern, and the surrounding park and gardens green and nice. Modern 3D technology is used to give visitors a first impression in the hall area, where some of the President’s paintings are also on show.

Several interesting exhibits and some good films too. All in all a great museum with much to see.

Very friendly and helpful volunteers throughout the entire facility.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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