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    Harry S. Truman Library & Museum

    4.7 (123 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Yvonne H.

    Enjoyed our visit to another presidential library and museum. I found it very informative and learned quite a bit about Truman. Reasonably priced at $12, with friendly staff and interesting exhibits. Worth a visit!

    Statue
    Mindy A.

    This museum deserves much more hype than it gets! If you like history, it's a must-see. There were so many interesting exhibits that were interactive, and I appreciated the different perspectives on Truman's decision to drop the nuclear bombs- a very controversial move. There were many cool artifacts in the museum as well that I was not expecting- lots of interesting items from WWII. It's reasonably priced and definitely recommend everyone make a visit!

    Ryan D.

    The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is a must see. It tells the story of Harry S. Truman and the story of America while he was president. There are excellent interactive exhibits including a full scale replica of the Oval Office as he used it during his term. The president and the first lady are also laid to rest there. This is a pivotal moment in world and American history and should be seen by everyone!

    Ino R.

    Pretty awesome exhibition of who the 33rd President of the United States was as a leader and a man. If you're in Independence, this is a can't miss The museum takes you from his time as a young man through the various phases of his life, (WW1 and the various issues this guy had to deal with). I always wondered about what could have been going on when a leader makes a decision, and this museum certainly gives an individual a fair picture of who he was and what he was dealing with during critical times in our history. You can actually spend the whole day here. It is well organized and extremely interactive. I showed up with a limited time, but Mr. Hamil at the front desk focused me on the museum's favorite exhibits and some other can't miss items. The museum has a bookmark with the top 8 items to look out for... but there was so much to see and find out, lots of stuff from the history books, and then next level items like a note Bess (Mrs. Truman) wrote on the back of a photo that said "come back safely." The library also has the burial grounds of the president and the first lady, along with an eternal flame of freedom that commemorates President Truman. One of the items that I was looking for, and I went through the museum twice, was the Normal Rockwell painting "Family Squabble," so, I have another reason to come back. The museum is beautiful. It's modern, it's well taken care of, and easy to move through. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean... it's a really great presidential library/museum. Great for families. Free Parking. Interactive, educational, and relaxing learning space.

    Keven W.

    I went here as my goal is to visit Presidential libraries when I am in town and I used this day to go there as I wanted to take a break from the casino. The library does not look modern compared to the other ones I have been to, but they are the same size however. The people working there are very nice. They have a lot of movie clips of Harry Truman and there is a lot of reading though. I went through the museum within 2 hours of taking my time. I did not read everything as that can be overwhelming. I did like the car exhibits and the background and life behind President Truman and did learn quite a bit. I did enjoy seeing the office. Afterwards I would suggest visiting downtown as that is only a mile away, but then again lot of construction on the road.

    Close up: statue outside of main entrance
    Kingston W.

    I was visiting Kansas City. Independence was less than a 30-minute drive away. My visit to the "Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum" was worth the trip. The library's website (www.trumanlibrary*gov) has information on hours, admission and directions. Admission fees are: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, 62 and older; $10 for veterans; $8 for college students w/ID; $5 for youth 13-18; and free for children 12 and under. The library closed in 2019 and underwent a significant renovation. It reopened in July 2021. The result is a sleek, modern museum with interesting exhibits and artifacts. The displays are curated well and map the course of President Truman's life before, during and post presidency. It's interesting to think that when Truman was selected to be Roosevelt's vice president, no one would have imagined what a consequential figure Truman would become.

    Mark P.

    Amazing Presidential Library. Many rooms with displays going through President Truman's term of office, many interactive displays as well. Nicely done, learned a lot. Highly recommended. I was apprehensive at first, but so glad I went. About 3 hours to do a thorough review.

    Kelly T.

    We have been visiting all of the presidential libraries and museums over the past decade and today we decided to visit this one. It was one of the first ones opened but was recently renovated over a year ago. The interior is very modern, educational, and informative. We especially enjoyed all of the videos. The exterior part is very beautiful and peaceful. The people working there were very welcoming and helpful.

    Pj M.

    The library is very well appointed and thorough in its history. I learned many interesting things on my visit. A lot of interactive areas. Great for children and teens who would not be learning a lot of this hosting school. Highly recommend all Presidential Libraries especially those from our earliest Presidents.

    President Truman greeting you as you enter.
    James S.

    This is a great presidential library. I've been to a few now and would rank it as number 2. While it's smaller than many of the others, they pack a lot in here. From his time as a farmer and local politician up to the presidency, it's all interesting; especially when you consider his involvement in WW I & II, Israel, Korea and early civil rights. If you're in the KC area, this is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. I spent about 2 hours here.

    Nancy P.

    What an excellent tribute to Harry. The museum was well laid out with plenty of parking and grounds were we picniced after our visit. We spent about 3 hours here and enjoyed every minute of our visit. Museum portrayed his early years as well as his presidency and everything in between. He was a people's man. Interesting films and displays about the dropping of the atomic bomb and his integration of the armed forces. Such a cool tribute. Highly recommend

    World War 1 multimedia display detailing Truman's service with Battery D
    Ken H.

    5 years ago I would've given this 4 stars simply because it was so outdated. I definitely cannot say that anymore. They have many state of the art displays. Their multimedia presentations are amazing. The workers are also phenomenally helpful going above and beyond. I accidentally set my glasses down and left them near a display. They got them back to me while I was still in the library. Talk about great service!! This library gives an in depth realistic look at one of history's most important figures of the 20th century. I highly recommend this to any student of history and the presidents. It's a must see. If you haven't seen this library in the last 5 years, you haven't seen it at all. It's essentially almost all brand new.

    Hunter S.

    Toward the end of the Truman presidential library and museum, I noticed a small exhibit of notes from students, asking what they had learned. One said something along the lines of, "There is so much more to Truman. In school I was only taught THE BOMB!" This museum, best viewed in conjunction with the Truman home and his cousins' home (both reviewed separately) is one of my favorites. I loved FDR's as well, but Truman's, as the aforementioned student stated, taught me a lot I didn't know. It's well laid out and organized, with several well-done short films. The first film was striking to me, highlighting quotes concerning the doubt cast on the Truman presidency (FDR, after four terms, was like America's father after all). It uses a colorful, visually appealing multi-media approach to take you through Truman's youth. His courtship and marriage. His business ventures. His climb up the political ladder. It focuses heavily on WWII, then transitions into the Korean War and the communist red scare. The artifacts are exceptional. His briefcase. His uniforms. You learn his shoe was a size 9. The pen used to sign the surrender in Germany. Atom bomb artifacts. An urn containing dirt from the battle of the bulge. Moving letters from Truman to Bess. Heartbreaking letters from the public to Truman. The havoc wreaked on Japan isn't glossed over. The site discusses Truman's policy agenda, who he was as a man. His legacy. The site also has a neat exhibit downstairs with rare photos, set up like a photo album. His autos are displayed. Truman's office, which he used the last several days of his life, is here, and set up as he left it. Truman and Bess are buried here. The staff were all so helpful and the price ultra reasonable. I know more about him and like him even more than before. Worth a stop 100%.

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    2 years ago

    Fun. Informative. And worth the money. Spent about 2 hours here and could've spend a little longer. If you're in KC, check it out.

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    We really enjoyed our visit, it was a very good experience. First class museum that tells the story about an important President.

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    Ask the Community - Harry S. Truman Library & Museum

    How much time should we reasonably set aside to see the library and museum?

    I would definitely plan on two hours (at least). But this must be combined with the individuals who are visiting the museum, are you the type who reads and looks at everything? So two hours should suffice casually visiting.

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    Review Highlights - Harry S. Truman Library & Museum

    Many rooms with displays going through President Truman's term of office, many interactive displays as well.

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    Harry S. Truman Library & Museum - libraries - Updated July 2026

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