DALLAS

George W. Bush Presidential Center


2943 SMU Blvd. at Central Expy.
Dallas, Texas 75205
214-200-4300

  9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Saturday

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sunday

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years

The George W. Bush Presidential Center located on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas is home to the Bush Institute as well as the Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Bush Institute

The Bush Institute is a public policy center founded by President and Mrs. Bush which maintains a mission of advancing freedom by expanding opportunities for individuals at home and across the globe by offering practical solutions in the areas of economic growth, education reform, global health, and human freedom, including a military service initiative and women's initiative.

Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The George W. Bush Library is the 13th Presidential Library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and contains an archive of textual, audiovisual, and electronic records related to events and issues of the Bush Administration. Resembling a time capsule of sorts, The Museum recounts a critical chapter in the history of the United States and promotes an understanding of the American presidency by providing access to official records, artifacts, documents, photographs, and videos from the Bush presidency.

The free-flowing floor plan of the impressive 14,000 square foot building allows guests to explore an assortment of museum galleries in any order they choose, and the extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff encourages visitors that this is a place where you can touch things. The center's aim to inform, to stimulate discussion, and to encourage engagement is evident throughout the variety of interactive exhibits including the museum's Decision Points Theater where individuals are taken inside the decision-making process via an assortment of political scenario videos with results dictated by touch-screen input from visitors whose decisions may be affected by on-screen 'advisors' and by occasional 'breaking news' segments.

Additional interactive features include a Defending Freedom glass-top touch-screen table where visitors can pull up photos and briefing material derived from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with a tranquil Texas Rose Garden which provides a peaceful setting for a time of reflection, and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office where visitors can sit on the posh furnishings and even have their photo taken while sitting behind the Resolute Desk. The collection of artifact holdings at the museum includes a large twisted steel beam from the World Trade Center along with the bullhorn used by President Bush as he spoke from atop the rubble at the site in New York City on September 14, 2001, as well as a display containing the 9 mm Glock pistol found in the lap of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein when he was captured during Operation Red Dawn, pages and handwritten notes of memorable speeches, a stuffed lion from the President of Tanzania, a selection of evening gowns worn by the former First Lady Laura Bush, and much more.

Dining

The Bush Center offers guests two dining options, both run by Dallas-based Culinaire. Cafe 43 is a full-service restaurant with a seasonal menu, and the Courtyard Cafe offers quick service with a variety of casual fare.

Urban Park

The surrounding 15-acre urban park is open from dawn until dusk offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy the native Texas landscape including prairie grasses and wildflowers in the heart of the city.

Museum Store

In the museum's gift shop, visitors can choose from souvenirs including books, apparel, collectibles, and memorabilia. Purchases can also be made through the online store operated by Barnes & Noble.

Volunteer

A variety of service opportunities are available to those interested in assisting with museum operations, educational programs, special events, etc.

See additional information below or visit:
George W. Bush Presidential Center

George W. Bush Presidential Center Dedication Ceremony President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush dedicated to the American people the George W. Bush Presidential Center, home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and George W. Bush Institute. George W. Bush Presidential Center
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Cafe 43 at Bush Center

DINING | VENUE

The upscale but hospitable atmosphere is surely fitting with Laura Bush's desire that Cafe 43 at the Bush Center be comfortable and not overly pretentious.