Reimagining the Core Exhibition

A New Experience for a New Generation

The LBJ Presidential Library renews its permanent exhibition (4th floor), bringing history, civics, and public service to life for the next generation of citizens. The redesigned experience helps today’s visitors—students, families, and lifelong learners—connect the story of Lyndon Johnson’s presidency with the challenges and choices our nation faces today.

The design of the updated exhibition is guided by the following goals:

Deepen Engagement and Understanding – The enhanced exhibition presents a more comprehensive narrative of LBJ’s presidency, exploring the challenges, strategies, and historical context behind his landmark legislation. It highlights the role of civic movements and bipartisan cooperation. Enhancements include expanded archival content, interactive features, and improved exhibit flow to better serve both self-guided visitors and guided tours.

Making History Relevant Today – Visitors are encouraged to draw connections between LBJ’s legacy and contemporary social and political issues. The exhibition examines the lasting impact of Civil Rights and Great Society legislation, shifts in political dynamics since the 1960s, as well as ongoing debates about the government’s role in society.

Advance Civic Literacy – The permanent exhibition aligns with current national and Texas educational standards and incorporates interactive and audiovisual elements designed to engage diverse learning styles. It illustrates how the legislative process works and the power and responsibilities of democratic participation. These enhancements support the LBJ Library’s education department in developing new curriculum resources and classroom activities for K-12 schools and an updated interpretive plan that supports expanded public engagement.