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George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas, TX
MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

George W. Bush Presidential Center

2943 SMU Boulevard · Dallas, TX

Why you should go…

The George W. Bush Presidential Center opened in 2013 on the Southern Methodist University campus in a building designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Its museum includes a full-size replica of the Oval Office, an exhibit on September 11, 2001, and the Decision Points Theater, where you work through presidential decisions yourself. Outside, the Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park covers the grounds with native trees and plantings, and Cafe 43 serves meals on site.

  • #presidential library
  • #history museum
  • #oval office replica
  • #smu campus

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to George W. Bush Presidential Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

    Under $25

    66 acres of themed gardens on the shore of White Rock Lake, with a seasonal pumpkin village and tulip display.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Klyde Warren Park

    Free

    A five-acre deck park built over a sunken freeway, packed with food trucks, games, and free events.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Museums
    Date Night

    Nasher Sculpture Center

    Under $25

    Walk a Renzo Piano gallery and an outdoor sculpture garden showing modern works by Rodin, Calder, Matisse and Picasso in the Dallas Arts District.

    3.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Pecan Lodge

    Under $25

    Deep Ellum's line-out-the-door brisket has made this Dallas BBQ joint a pilgrimage stop.

    3.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Dallas Museum of Art

    Free

    Browse free galleries holding more than 24,000 works, from ancient objects to Impressionist paintings and contemporary art.

    3.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Perot Museum of Nature and Science

    Under $25

    Five stories of hands-on science and dinosaur halls inside a striking Thom Mayne-designed cube.

    4.1 mi awayMore like this