Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and final resting place of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States (1945–1953). It is one of just 15 presidential libraries in the country and the first presidential library to be created under the provisions of the 1955 Presidential Libraries Act.

Built on a hill overlooking the Kansas City skyline, on land donated by the City of Independence, the Truman Library was dedicated July 6, 1957. Truman actively participated in the day-to-day operation of the Library, personally training museum docents and conducting impromptu “press conferences” for visiting school students. He frequently arrived before the staff and would often answer the phone to give directions and answer questions, telling surprised callers that he was the “man himself.”

Between 2019 and 2021, the museum underwent a full $29 million renovation, its first major renovation in more than 20 years and the largest in its history.

Visitors can expect a cinematic experience of some of the most dramatic chapters of world history. Museum 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