George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum Opens in Dallas, Texas

After more than two years of construction, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Texas was dedicated on Thursday, April 25th. The library and museum will be open to the public beginning May 1, 2013. For ticket information, visit the library's website.

Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP, the 255,000 square-foot library is a modern brick and limestone structure that complements the American Georgian character of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus where the library stands, the firm says. The building houses three components of the George W. Bush Presidential Center: the presidential archives, a museum, and a policy institute.

According to Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the building and landscape are designed to achieve LEED platinum certification and include numerous sustainable design strategies such as locally sourced building materials; 20-percent recycled materials; solar hot water panels; native landscaping to reduce irrigation; and a stormwater management system that conveys, cleanses and collects surface runoff and roof rainwater.

"I applaud the work of Robert Stern and Michael Van Valkenburgh [the landscape architect of record] in designing a building and landscape that will capture the dignity of the office of the Presidency, while at the same time being warm and welcoming to visitors," President George W. Bush said in a 2009 news release when the design was unveiled. "Laura and I are thrilled with the plans."