Architecture and Sustainability

Situated on 23 acres of the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the Bush Center’s brick and limestone design complements the American Georgian character of the surrounding buildings.

Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the building is set in a sustainable, native Texas landscape created by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

The signature architectural feature of the building is Freedom Hall, a 67-foot high tower that, when lit at night, distinguishes the Bush Center on campus and stands against the Dallas skyline to the south.

The main entrance to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum faces north and features Freedom Plaza, a colonnaded courtyard and fountain. The Bush Institute’s entrance faces the SMU campus to the west, and to the south, sits the Native Texas Park.

Conservation & Sustainability Fact Sheet (PDF)