Independence, Missouri: Truman Presidential Library
Exhibits include the guns used by the two Puerto Rican nationalists who almost killed Truman in 1950, a copy of the 1948 "Dewey Defeats Truman" newspaper, a life-size bronze statue of Truman, and Harry's grave out in the courtyard. Remodeled and reopened in 2022.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
- Address:
- 500 W. US Hwy 24, Independence, MO
- Directions:
- I-435 exit 59. Drive east on US-24 for three miles, and watch for the Truman Presidential Library exit sign.
- Hours:
- M-Sa 9-5, Su 12-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 816-268-8200
- Admission:
- Adults $12.
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Visitor Tips and News About Truman Presidential Library
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Inside the Truman Presidential Library you can see, for free, an amazing massive mural by famous artist Thomas Hart Benton. 19 feet tall and 32 feet wide, commissioned by Harry Truman when his Library was being built following his presidency. Titled "Opening of the West." Dedicated in 1960. Free parking and free to go in where the mural is visible.
[Stacie Short, 02/25/2019]
Cost is $8 per person, but worth a stop.
[Krissy, 01/02/2010]Truman Presidential Library - Nixon Bowling Ball
While there is one "Decision Theater" in the library, it is not the stop-drop-answer theater I guess they originally intended. This theater discusses invasion of privacy (are you a Communist?) that is also taking place in today's society (are they reading YOUR emails?) In fact, the decision theater that is there is actually bogus. My husband and I were the only ones in the theater, and it asked us to push one button for yes, another button for no, in answer to several questions. We both answered no, and it said most of us agreed with the statement, even though we had not. We kinda felt like it was a brainwashing tank!
But overall the library is fantastic. We happened to be there when the White House in Miniature was visiting. We spent over 4 hours there and still didn't get to see and do everything.
[Rebecca Newburn, 07/09/2006]Truman Museum Goes Modern and Scary
The Truman Museum in Kansas City, MO, has recently completed a $22.5 million renovation designed to "transform the institution," according to the Kansas City Star. The Museum's directors, rightfully alarmed when they discovered that almost no one under the age of 50* was visiting the Museum, decided to upgrade it with "substance, design and technology" in order to "draw as much out of the audience" as possible.
... [11/11/2001] Complete News Story
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Nearby Offbeat Places
1859 Jail Museum, Independence, MO - < 1 mi.
Swirly Rocket Ship Temple, Independence, MO - < 1 mi.
Jim Bridger Statue: Frontier Trails Museum, Independence, MO - 1 mi.In the region:
Man with Shoe in Mouth, Kansas City, MO - 8 mi.
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We hope that you didn't miss our favorite exhibit: Richard Nixon's bowling ball.