George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas (must see)

The George W. Bush Presidential Center, established on April 25, 2013, is a complex comprising the presidential library and museum of former President George W. Bush, the George W. Bush Policy Institute, and the administrative offices of the George W. Bush Foundation. Situated on the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus in Dallas, it serves as a hub for various activities and initiatives associated with the Bush presidency.

Prior to George W. Bush assuming office, Baylor University in Waco, Texas began efforts to secure the library, citing their proximity to his Crawford ranch and strategic location near major metropolitan areas. However, SMU also pursued the opportunity after Bush became President. The White House delayed discussions until after Bush's re-election, eventually inviting six universities and one city to submit proposals. These included Baylor, SMU, the University of Texas System, Texas Tech, the University of Dallas, Midland College, and the city of Arlington, Texas.

Midland College later merged its bid with Texas Tech, forming a "West Texas Coalition" to enhance their proposal. Renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern from Yale University was selected to design the library, with construction commencing on November 16, 2010. The groundbreaking ceremony coincided with the publication of Bush's memoir, "Decision Points." The project was undertaken by the Manhattan Construction Company, the same firm responsible for building the George Bush Presidential Library.

Costing an estimated $250 million, the center earned a platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in April 2013, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. Its completion and dedication ceremony occurred on April 25, 2013, attended by all living former U.S. presidents, including the incumbent, Barack Obama. Notably, there was no mention of the Iraq War during the event, despite its significance in George W. Bush's presidency.