George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum | College Station

The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. The museum serves as the official repository for records and artifacts from the life and presidency of the 41st president of the United States, George H. W. Bush. This institution offers an in-depth exploration of his life, political career, and the historical context of his presidency. Here's a more detailed look at what the library and museum offer:

History and Significance

The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library was established to preserve the papers and materials of President Bush’s administration and life. Opened in 1997, the library is one of 13 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

The library is located in College Station, Texas, specifically on the Texas A&M University campus, where President Bush and his wife, Barbara, had strong ties. George H. W. Bush served as a part of the university's faculty after his presidency and has had a longstanding connection to Texas A&M.

The museum not only houses personal and political items but also serves as a living tribute to President Bush’s public service, leadership, and global diplomacy.

Exhibits

Permanent Exhibits:
The museum showcases a permanent collection of over 17,000 square feet of exhibits, chronicling significant events from President Bush’s life. These include sections on his early years, military service during World War II, his vice presidency under Ronald Reagan, and his presidency, particularly key moments such as:

The fall of the Berlin Wall

The end of the Cold War

The Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm

Domestic policies and the presidency during the early 1990s

Temporary Exhibits:
In addition to the permanent displays, the museum also features rotating temporary exhibits that explore various facets of American history, global politics, and Bush’s legacy.

The Berlin Wall Statue:
One of the most striking features of the museum is the “The Day the Wall Came Down” statue by artist Veryl Goodnight. This sculpture depicts horses jumping over broken pieces of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the freedom that emerged in its wake.

Research Room and Archival Collections

Research Access:
The library contains millions of pages of documents from President Bush’s administration and other materials related to his vice presidency. The research room is open by appointment, allowing scholars, journalists, and the public to delve deeper into the primary sources and records.

Documents and Audiovisual Materials:
The archival collection includes not only written documents but also audiovisual materials, offering a richer understanding of the president's work and personal life. Visitors can explore records on foreign policy, domestic issues, and political correspondence.

Visiting the Museum

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The library is closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $9

Senior Citizens (62+): $7

Retired Military (with ID): $7

Youth (6–17): $3

College Students (with ID): $3

Group Rate (20 or more people): $6 per person

Free Admission for children 5 and under, Texas A&M and Blinn College students (with ID), active-duty military personnel, and members of the Friends of the GHWB Library.

Special Features:

Audio Tour: Visitors can enhance their experience with an audio tour available for download to their personal devices.

Photography: Personal photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited.

Security: As a federal facility, visitors must go through a security checkpoint, and certain items like large bags and weapons are not allowed.

Grounds and Memorials

The library's grounds are also significant, featuring a plaza with a memorial to President Bush.

In addition to the museum, President Bush is buried on the library grounds in a private family plot, where his funeral procession from Houston to College Station took place via a presidential funeral train—the first such procession since Dwight Eisenhower’s funeral in 1969. The funeral procession was deeply symbolic and well attended by many people.

Visitor Information

Location:
1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX 77845

Phone: (979) 691-4000

Website: The official website offers detailed information on visiting hours, exhibits, and special events.

The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum provides a rich, immersive experience for visitors interested in American history, politics, and the life of one of the 20th century’s key political figures. Whether through historical exhibits, personal memorabilia, or the reflective nature of the library's surroundings, it offers a comprehensive look at President Bush’s impact on both the nation and the world.