Tragedy and Triumph: The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum


Love him or hate him, there is no denying that George W. Bush’s presidency occurred at the turning point of global history. From the Florida Recount to 9/11, from Hurricane Katrina to Operation Iraqi Freedom, the eight years George W. Bush served in office were turbulent, controversial and fascinating. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum does an excellent job of taking visitors through his presidency without glossing over the controversial events.

One area I was particularly impressed with was the Decisions Points Theater that simulates the decisions the 43rd President had to face throughout his presidency. Visitors are provided with a computer that allows them to pick and choose what advice to listen to and then are forced to make a decision within a limited amount of time.

Media tree where visitors can take a photo to pledge to volunteer in their communities.

Another highlight was the media tree that allows visitors to take a photo of themselves in order to pledge to volunteer in their communities. There are a number of screens displaying photos of previous visitors that rotate (see if you can find my photo!). The tree includes information about a number of different types of volunteer organizations that give back to the community.


Of course, the most touching portion of the museum is the 9/11 tribute that includes a large, twisted metal piece of the second World Trade Center tower. There are video terminals with pieces of news footage from each of the hijacked planes. I found the memorial to be very emotional, and was amazed to find myself having such a visceral emotional reaction more than a decade after the terrorist attack. Next to the memorial, there is an area for visitors to sit and watch footage of President and Mrs. Bush reacting to the attacks within the first week. I especially enjoyed the footage of President Bush at the Islamic Center of Washington on September 17, 2001. There is a computer tucked in a corner where guests can leave a memory or read memories left behind by other visitors.

*Photos are allowed throughout the museum, but guests have the option to have professional pictures taken in the oval office room for purchase.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75205
(214) 346-1650
http://www.georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu


The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Admission is $16 for adults; $14 for youths aged 13 to 17 years; $13 for seniors aged 62 and older and non-SMU students; $10 for retired military and youths aged 5 to 12 years; and free for children under 5, SMU students and faculty, and active military.



*An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that all photos in the Oval Office room were for purchase only. Visitors may take their own photos as well.

Location: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

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