Past Exhibits

is the major new global exhibition that explores the life of one of the world’s most famous freedom fighters and political leaders. The epic story of Nelson Mandela is told in a series of experiential galleries from his rural childhood home through years of turbulent struggle against the apartheid regime, to his eventual vindication and final years as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.

During the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum’s 25-year history, it has hosted more than 3 million visitors, presidents, countless foreign heads of state, hundreds of free public events, issues forums, and guest speakers. One of the biggest draws, however, is the Bush Library and Museum’s robust exhibits program. Over the years, the Library has opened more than 135 exhibits. They have been as diverse as they were informative, covering every subject from the presidency, to trains, baseball, and even the American West. This retrospective will take visitors on a journey through our past by highlighting eight unique and powerful exhibits, as well as the artifacts from the Library’s collections that helped tell their stories.

 explores the United States' diplomatic efforts during the final years of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Featuring newly declassified documents, this exhibit gives visitors a new insight into the behind-the-scenes conversations between George Bush and F.W. De Klerk, Nelson Mandela, and other leaders in the region of Southern Africa during this pivotal time in world history. It is open now in the Fidelity Gallery through April 2, 2023.

 outlines President Bush’s environmental initiatives, including the Clean Air Act Amendment, the Everglades National Park Expansion Act, the Antarctic Protection Act, and the Oceans Act. Also included are artifacts related to environmental conservation efforts from across the globe.

, by Corpus Christi-based artist Shelia Rogers, is a strangely beautiful collection of approximately 35 pieces of art made from plastics acquired from beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast. As a lifelong beachcomber, Shelia Rogers noticed the ever-increasing accumulation of single-use plastics on Texas beaches she frequents. Rogers began collecting the plastic and transforming it into vibrant works of art to highlight the true impact of plastics on our wildlife and marine ecosystems.