Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum

"Being a president is like riding a tiger."

What makes it fun

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is a special place that preserves and provides access to President Truman’s historical materials. It’s a place where people can learn about democracy and citizenship, and where they can be inspired to make a difference in the world. The Library is a dynamic educational resource that supports local, national, and global citizenship.

Google Reviews

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

4.8

Based on 484 reviews

Chris Webb

00:22 29 Jul 24

Excellent DC-level museum. First off, if you're an educator, reach out to these guys about their "decision center" in the basement, which basically has you run a simulation as if you're Truman and his cabinet. They'll also work with you and help you plan and write lessons and field trips. If you're a "civilian", this is an awesome museum that tells the story of Truman coming to prominence, his journey through politics, and his legacy, with plenty of references and hat tips to the different "side quests" of the 50s. Ok gift shop at the end, but make sure you take advantage of all the great interactive exhibits and videos.

Allan Rivera G.

19:38 26 Jul 24

chris ellison

22:41 18 Jul 24

Nice museum. The displays are well done and some are interactive. It was interesting to learn that Truman worked on site in an attached office for many years before his death and is ultimately buried at the museum. We spent a couple of hours at the museum. I think you could spend more time if you read every display. Overall it is worth the visit for fans of history and for anyone who wants to give their kids a rounded education.

Peter Stassen

07:59 18 Jul 24

There is free parking at the entrance of the museum. If you want to read everything, you need a full day. The most effective way to visit the museum is to watch the videos of each section and then view the artifacts.

Lane Cornelius

00:13 18 Jul 24

jim stephens

21:20 30 Jun 23

We drove by today, will be back. Ive followed the remodeling and expansion and am anxious to see it.

It was great driving from the courthouse from som business (it's massively screwed up doesn't need to be, another story) but the good news is we went by the home on Delaware, then to the library. Last time I was there was before President Truman had passed.

Mark Smith

13:58 14 Apr 23

Highly recommend. Spent an easy 3.5 hours there. Could have pstayed all day.

School-age children will be bored, regardless of efforts of the knowledgeable docents. While there, the kids on field trip only wanted to see the oval office mock-up. Which held their attention for a minute.

Learned a lot about President Truman's family, childhood, WWI military service, failed businesses, political career, presidency, and "retirement."

Exhibits include the museum, the archives/library, on-site office, vehicles, oval office mock-up, and Harry and Bess' resting place.

Anne Sturm

03:33 26 Feb 23

Wow! This was such an amazing display of history!!! The way they have this laid out makes it flow so nice. So much to see! It took over 3 hours to make it through all of the museum. There is alot of interactive stuff for kids. The amount of artifacts from his time as president is amazing. So many things I didn't know that I learned while there. Seeing the oval office gave me shivers as I felt that I had stepped back in time. The staff is very friendly. Everything is very clean! The gift shop has alot of very neat things and is very reasonable! This is an absolute must do!!!

Phillip Stehman

14:39 06 Dec 22

I came here a few years ago and it was okay, but not memorable. Since then they remodeled it and brought it into the 21st century. They did an amazing job! It is now video and multimedia driven with plenty of interactive opportunities. If you are a local and have been here before as I have, it’s worth going back. If you are passing through the area and looking for a great historical stop, this is a great choice. They really bring history alive. Regardless of your political persuasion, there are critical historical moments that still shape our world today. Allow for at least three to four hours.

Leslie Fuentes

14:34 28 Aug 22

Beautiful place. Squeaky clean. Staff was super friendly. The souvenir store was great. Be aware - masks required, no food/drink. Military free! But price is about $15 and donations are accepted. Pass is for all day, so you can leave for lunch (we went to subway across the street) and come back. Lots to see!

Jennifer Hart

22:14 03 Aug 22

I didn't know much about President Truman but almost everyone in town said this place was a must see. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time. We came about an hour and a half before closing so we didn't have time to see everything. I definitely recommend allowing a lot of time especially if you like to read all the displays and take pictures. The staff were very friendly.

W O'Brien

01:01 30 Jul 22

A must see museum! I was surprised to learn that Truman himself came up with the idea and played a major role in building the museum. The museum does a great job depicting his life as a child, role during WWI and understanding multiple perspectives in employing the nuclear bomb on Japan during WWII.
A surprising fact I learned about Truman was that he yearned to be back to his town of Independence. After his presidency he came back to the town he grew up in and lived out his life as a regular citizen. There are strories in town that validate his nature to walk around the town solo. Wow.

The staff was very welcoming and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable asking questions I still had about Truman or understanding some policies enacted during his admistration.

Gift shop was unfortunately closed during the time of my visit. It was explained to me as a result of COVID policy. Mask were required at the time of my visit.

Kyle Lundequam

18:10 01 Apr 22

Excellent museum. Great use of timeline to bring historical events to life. The fact that President Truman helped design, build, and then utilized this space for years showed in the layout and care of the exhibits. The only suggestion would be the incorporation of other historical artifacts rather than wall quotes.

LS Tours

18:53 22 Feb 22

THIS is the place to go for LIVE MUSIC and GREAT FOOD on a weeknight! We visited on a Tuesday and were blessed with hearing the piano talents of Walt and the singing abilities of Talya, who can really belt it out with the best of them! What a great vibe, a welcoming atmosphere and even unexpected back up singers from the crowd! What an unexpected treat!