LBJ Presidential Library | Austin

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum (commonly known as the LBJ Library) is a major archival and historical center located on the University of Texas at Austin campus. It honors and preserves the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, who served from 1963 to 1969 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Overview

Opened: May 22, 1971

Location: 2313 Red River Street, Austin, Texas

Managed by: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

Architect: Gordon Bunshaft (of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)

Design: A bold ten-story travertine-clad structure, stark and monumental, with a minimalist exterior and a dramatic Great Hall at its core.

The library is one of 15 presidential libraries in the United States and one of the most expansive in terms of historical documentation. Johnson himself was deeply involved in its planning and often visited until his death in 1973.

Purpose and Mission

The LBJ Library was created to:

Preserve and make available historical materials related to President Johnson.

Promote an understanding of the American presidency, the political process, and the history of mid-20th century America.

Serve as an educational and civic engagement space for scholars, students, and the public.

Holdings and Archives

The LBJ Library is one of the largest presidential archives in the U.S. It contains:

45 million pages of documents from Johnson’s congressional, vice-presidential, and presidential years.

650,000 photographs, including official White House images, candid shots, and personal family pictures.

5,000+ hours of recordings, including over 600 hours of President Johnson’s secretly recorded telephone conversations.

54,000 museum artifacts, such as diplomatic gifts, personal belongings, campaign memorabilia, and furniture.

These collections cover a transformative period in U.S. history, including the civil rights movement, Vietnam War, Great Society reforms, space race, and Cold War politics.

Key Museum Features

1. Great Hall

A four-story, open interior space that showcases a dramatic wall of red archival boxes symbolizing the depth of Johnson’s recorded legacy. It sets a solemn and imposing tone for the museum experience.

2. Oval Office Replica

A 7/8th scale reproduction of the Oval Office as it appeared during Johnson’s presidency. It includes authentic furniture and décor, offering a glimpse into his working environment.

3. Animatronic LBJ

An early example of museum robotics, this life-sized figure delivers recorded anecdotes in Johnson’s voice, giving visitors a humorous and human touch to the experience.

4. Lady Bird Johnson Exhibit

A gallery dedicated to the First Lady, highlighting her work in environmental beautification, civil rights, and women’s education. Her preserved office is also on display.

5. Civil Rights Gallery

Displays original documents and artifacts from the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, including pens Johnson used to sign the laws.

6. Vietnam War Exhibits

Offers a balanced and often sobering account of the Vietnam conflict through letters, recordings, newsreels, and policy documents from Johnson's presidency.

7. Special and Temporary Exhibits

Regularly rotating displays focus on contemporary issues, presidential history, or topics like the space race, press freedom, or education reform.

Educational and Public Programs

The library is also an active civic and educational center, hosting:

Future Forum: A leadership initiative aimed at engaging younger professionals.

Civil Rights Summits: Annual events that have featured presidents and major civil rights leaders.

Lecture Series: Presentations by journalists, historians, policymakers, and artists.

Student Programs: Tours, curriculum support, and workshops tailored to Texas schools and beyond.

Events and Community Engagement

Offers free admission to UT students and active military.

Hosts debates, author talks, and commemorative events.

Features public commemorations on significant dates, such as the anniversaries of civil rights legislation or President Johnson's birthday.

Visiting Information

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)

Closed on: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Admission:

Adults: $16

Seniors (62+): $12

Youth (13–18): $6

College students (non-UT): $6

Active military and UT faculty/students: Free

Free Parking available nearby in designated lots

Significance

The LBJ Library is not only a repository of history but a reflection of an era defined by bold legislative change, conflict, and social transformation. Johnson’s presidency was one of paradoxes—domestically progressive but internationally divisive. The museum does not shy away from these complexities, offering a nuanced and educational look at one of America’s most consequential presidents.

Its location on the UT Austin campus reinforces its educational mission and makes it easily accessible for students, scholars, and tourists alike. It remains one of the most visited presidential libraries in the U.S.