Leisure Lines

REFLECTIONS from a practitioner and educator who served 44 years in the field of recreation and leisure services

Friday, August 05, 2016

George W. Bush Museum


IT'S NUMBER 12 for me, and number 11 for my wife, in terms of visits to presidential museums! And, this one did not disappoint us at all. In fact, we were exceedingly pleased, as it measured-up among the finest of all we have toured.

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University at 2943 SMU Boulevard in Dallas, Texas. It is conveniently located just west of Dallas' North Central Expressway (U.S. Highway 75).

To get there from the south, take Exit 3, Mockingbird Lane/University Boulevard. Follow the frontage road to SMU Boulevard, turn left (west) to the Museum. Parking will be on the right. If approaching from the north, take Exit 4, Lover's Lane/University Boulevard. Follow the frontage road to SMU Boulevard. Turn right (west) to the Museum. Parking will be on the right.

Open hours at the Museum are 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday; 12 - 5 on Sunday. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Special features at the Museum include 13 theaters, a full service restaurant, and a quick service cafe.

The 14,000-square-foot main gallery has a compelling permanent exhibition that uses artifacts, documents, audiovisual, and interactive components to capture the key decisions and events which occurred during the term of our 43rd President (2001-2009).

Being at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum was a tremendous leisure experience. Regardless of political preferences or voting record, I believe that most anyone would come away with the same feeling. For those who choose to visit sometime in the future, I will add this, "Be prepared to be wowed!"