May 1, 2013 marked a special day for Dallas, Texas. The 13th presidential facility, the George W. Bush Presidential Library, opened to the public.
Barack Obama and every living former president arrived at Southern Methodist University to dedicate the largest, most expensive presidential structure, at $250 million.
The new facility, designed by Robert A. M. Stern, includes many attractions, both retro and modern, including a museum, institute, policy center and of course, the library. The entire facility across all floors is 226,560 square feet, able to hold thousands of occupants at once.
The library showcases major points in the career of the two-term 43rd president, from one of the maps showing Hurricane Katrina’s damage with “The President has seen” stamped across the top in red lettering, as well as the bullhorn he used when he communicated with the troopers at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks.
During his dedication speech, 10,000 people watched as President Bush teared up in front of the audience, saying how happy he was that his father, the 41st president, could attend the ceremony.
“41, it is awesome that you are here today.” he said.
