The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a landmark in College Station, TX, that offers an immersive educational and entertaining experience for both families and individuals.
The institution, which also serves as the burial site of George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara Bush, is dedicated to the 41st president of the United States, who served from 1989 to 1993. It is one of 13 libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) under the provisions of the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955.
The museum, which was opened to the public in November 1997, was designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, the largest U.S.-based architecture-engineering firm and a leader in sustainable design. The firm, now called HOK, currently has offices across the globe. Their projects range from libraries, universities and research centers to airports and corporate buildings.
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is situated on the west campus of Texas A&M, resting on a plaza that adjoins the university’s George Bush School of Government and Public Service and Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.
In April 2007, the museum closed its permanent exhibit for a comprehensive $8.3 million renovation that accompanied the library’s 10th anniversary. Meanwhile, the temporary exhibit gallery stayed open and hosted the well-known “Traveling White House in Miniature” exhibit. During the museum’s grand reopening on Nov. 10, 2007, the former president for whom the museum is named made a surprise entrance by parachuting into the ceremony with the Army Golden Knights.
Bush’s Life & Legacy
The museum incorporates both a permanent collection of exhibits that showcase the experiences and challenges that influenced Bush’s life, presidency and legacy, as well as temporary rotating exhibits that offer new and interesting perspectives on the Bush Administration. The permanent exhibit space spans just under 17,000 square feet, while the temporary exhibit space is about 3,000 square feet. Using documents, artifacts, photographs, film, music, interactive videos and sound effects, the museum also presents general information on a large portion of United State history since 1941.
Additionally, the institution includes a special section that is dedicated to Barbara Bush and the work she devoted to various social causes, such as literacy; AIDS awareness and prevention; and volunteerism.
Another aspect of the museum’s mission is preserving official records, personal papers and artifacts pertaining to Bush and his presidency and making those available for research. Additionally, the museum offers a variety of programs to promote civic education, and students groups are able to use the institution’s classroom to further their learning.
Planning a Visit?
The museum is located at 1000 George Bush Drive West. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, with the last ticket sold daily at 4:45 p.m. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and closes early at noon on Christmas Eve.
Admission is $9 for adults; $7 for seniors citizens and retired military members; and $3 for students and children. The cost of admission includes free personal photography throughout the museum and an audio tour.
For more information, call 979-691-4000 or email [email protected]. Check the museum’s website to stay updated on its current and upcoming events.
Common FAQs
Where is the George Bush Presidential Library?
The George Bush Presidential Library is located at 1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845.
It is just southeast of the Texas A&M University Research Park on the Texas A&M campus, near the intersection of George Bush Drive W. and Harvey Mitchell Parkway S. (F.M. 2818). It is minutes away from the hearth of College Station, TX and 7 miles (15 minute drive) from Bryan, TX.
You can view a map by clicking here.
What days are the George Bush Presidential Library open?
The George Bush Presidential Library keeps very regular hours during the week, with shorter opening hours on Sunday. For holidays, you can call (979) 691-4000. Here are their weekly hours:
- Monday: 9:30AM–5PM
- Tuesday: 9:30AM–5PM
- Wednesday: 9:30AM–5PM
- Thursday: 9:30AM–5PM
- Friday: 9:30AM–5PM
- Saturday: 9:30AM–5PM
- Sunday: 12–5PM
How do I get in touch with the George Bush Presidential Library?
You can get in touch with the George Bush Presidential Library by phone, email, or visit their website for information.
- Phone: (979) 691-4000
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit their website: https://www.bush41.org/
How much did the George Bush Presidential Library cost?
The George Bush Presidential Library was constructed in 1997 at a cost of $45 million
What school is the George Bush Presidential Library at?
The George Bush Presidential Library is located on the campus of Texas A&M as part of the University Research Park.
When did the George Bush Presidential Library open?
The George Bush Presidential Library was commemorated in 1997 and opened to the publish shortly after that.
