The group of veterans are current students at SMU; free admission to the Bush Museum through May 5 courtesy of Sewell Automotive Companies
DALLAS — Today, President George W. Bush surprised 19 members of SMU’s student veteran groups in the Oval Office replica during their tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Museum. The surprise visit occurred as the Bush Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary with free admission to the Bush Museum April 29 through May 5, courtesy of Sewell Automotive Companies. President Bush expressed his gratitude for the students’ service in the U.S. military — many of whom are at SMU through the GI Bill — before taking questions from and photos with them.
On May 1, 2013, the Bush Museum opened its doors, and in the ten years since, has welcomed more than 1.9 million visitors from across the Nation and the world. Visitors have an opportunity to explore the permanent exhibit, which offers a moving display on Sept. 11, 2001, a replica Oval Office, and an interactive experience in presidential decision-making.
Also on display is the special exhibit, Freedom Matters. Featuring rare artifacts and interactive activities, the exhibit highlights the importance of freedom in building peaceful societies, how the work of freedom advocates has changed the lives of millions, and what we all can learn from the study of history. Artifacts include a 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta as well as rare versions of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights; other pivotal documents and objects from world history are also on display.
The museum will hold regular operating hours during the week of free admission (Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.), with special extended hours until 8 p.m. on May 4. Free admission tickets, courtesy of Sewell Automotive Companies, can be claimed online or in person through May 5.
George W. Bush Presidential Center
Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration. Learn more about the Bush Center at bushcenter.org.
George W. Bush Presidential Museum
The George W. Bush Presidential Museum promotes a greater understanding of the American presidency and examines the consequential times during which President and Mrs. Bush served. The museum offers a moving exhibit on September 11, 2001, a replica Oval Office, and an interactive experience in presidential decision-making through the Decision Points Theater. The museum is also host to a variety of special exhibitions that delve deeply into unique topics and provide insights that only a presidential center can offer. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Presidential Museum is a nonpartisan civic institution showcasing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion.
