Truman Library Institute

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Welcome to the Extraordinary Journey

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Since the Library’s dedication in July 1957, the Truman Library has welcomed and inspired millions of visitors from across the globe. Now, step into the all-new Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum following an award-winning, world-class transformation. Get ready for an immersive, cinematic experience of some of the most dramatic chapters of world history, from the Great War to WWII and the Cold War, to the creation of the State of Israel, civil rights advancements, the extreme makeover of The White House and, of course, Truman’s victorious Whistle Stop campaign. Hailed as “the new standard for presidential libraries” the Truman Library is a must-see experience for all ages.

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“Excellent museum. The exhibits were fascinating!”
“Exceptional! The museum is world-class and stands out for its balanced presentation.”
“Loved this visit!”
“A must-see! Truman's life and presidency unfold with drama from room to room.”
“Wow! Our kids from age 7 to 17 were all entertained and educated.”
“The museum is spectacular. Plan to spend several hours.”
“A great three hours for our family! Something for everyone.”
“Worth it! A highlight on our 4-week road trip.”
Museum Location & Hours
500 W. U.S. Highway 24
Independence, Missouri 64050-1798
Monday-Saturday
9 am – 5 pm
Sunday
Winter Hours
Closed Sundays January-March
Noon-5 pm April-December
Closed Holidays
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Immersive Exhibits
Plow to Politics
On April 12, 1945, Harry Truman received an urgent call. President Franklin Roosevelt was dead. Truman was a farmer, a war veteran, a failed businessman, and a county judge. He had been vice president for just 82 days, and the world was at war. How did he meet the challenge?
Eye of the Storm
The decisions Truman made in those chaotic four months ended the Second World War and foreshadowed the immense new challenges of the postwar world.
Postwar World
Truman aggressively sought to counter Soviet expansionism. This, and preventing World War III, became his top foreign-policy objective. Tensions between the two superpowers gave rise to the Cold War.
Recognition of Israel
WWII displaced more than 850,000 people, including about 250,000 Jews. Facing a fierce debate within his inner circle of advisors, Truman had to decide whether to put American support behind the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. In the end, he recognized the new State of Israel.
What's Fair
In 1948, with a presidential election on the line, Truman stunned the nation when he desegregated the military and federal workforce by executive order. The historic decision split the Democratic party, leading to universal predictions that Dewey would defeat Truman.
Truman's Second Term
With accusations that the government was filled with Communist spies, Truman confronted real and imagined threats, including paranoia at home, and Soviet expansion and a nuclear arms race abroad.
The Trumans in Washington
For almost 18 years, from 1935 to 1953, the Truman family made their home in Washington, D.C., far from their roots in Independence, Missouri.
Pricing & Membership
General Admission

Per Adult
$12

Museum Admission

Discounts for seniors, students, veterans and active U.S. military.

Children Free

12 and under

Museum Store has no admission 
fee to shop

Purchase Tickets

Membership

Starts at
$35

Free Unlimited
Museum Admission
for 2 for a year
Children Free

12 and under

Free General Admission
at all Presidential Libraries

of the National Archives

10% Off

on Museum Store purchase made 
at the Truman Library

Much More

Join Today

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum has not just renovated but re-imagined its museum. Designers incorporated the latest storytelling techniques to engage visitors of all ages in the extraordinary journey of our great nation and its 33rd president, Harry S. Truman. The $29 million renovation is the largest in the Truman Library’s history and has been hailed as “the new standard for presidential libraries.” Visitors can expect a cinematic experience of some of the most dramatic chapters of U.S. and world history. The new exhibition includes 230 artifacts plus several hundred facsimiles of documents, letters and handwritten materials, a major expansion. Highlights include:

  • Immersive sound-and-light theaters depicting WWI and the Cold War
  • 14-foot interactive globe exploring the hard problems of peace following WWII
  • Expanded insight on Truman’s leadership on Civil Rights and the recognition of Israel
  • Fresh perspective on Truman’s family, including Bess Truman’s role as advisor and confidante
  • Loyalty Review Board role-playing game where players uncover government disloyalty during the Red Scare
  • Increased storytelling and never-before seen artifacts from the Korean War
Museum Information
Security

Visitors are required to go through a screening security.

Wheelchairs

Non-motorized wheelchairs are available on a first-come/first-serve basis.

Photography

Flash photography is prohibited in all exhibit areas.

Food Policy

Food, chewing gum, and beverages are prohibited in the exhibit areas.

Firearms

Firearms and weapons are prohibited, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 930 and 36 CFR 1280.

Parking

Free parking is available in lots surrounding the building.

Tickets include admission to all exhibits

There is no charge to visit the Museum Store and Truman Courtyard.

Note to Our Members

As always, your membership benefits include FREE Museum admission.

When ordering tickets, be sure to scroll down through the ticket types to “Truman Library Institute Membership.”

One the day of your Museum visit, you will be required to present proof of membership.

Purchase Tickets

Visitor Services

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
816.268.8267
Truman.Library@nara.gov

Member Services

Truman Library Institute
816.400.1200
Kim.Rausch@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org

Experience More as a Member

Members enjoy free and unlimited Museum admission at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, and ALL of America’s presidential libraries operated by the National Archives. Memberships start at just $35 – join today!

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Harry S. Truman

“Do your duty and history will do you justice.”

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