When we stayed in Cedar Park in 2024, we visited the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in downtown Austin, Texas. At that time, we were disappointed to find the 10th-floor Oval Office closed, so we couldn’t see it. Two years later, back in the Austin area, we finally had the chance to return, and this time, we got to explore the Lady Bird Oval Office at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library. If you’re considering visiting this library, I am sharing all you need to know before your visit and what to expect so you can make the most of your time there.
If you haven’t visited the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, it’s a fantastic educational experience for people of all ages. We recently went with our teen children and my parents, and, if I’m being honest, my parents enjoyed the nostalgia more than anyone. Born in the 1960s, right around the time of Johnson’s presidency, they were thrilled to see so many familiar moments and memorabilia from that era.
The LBJ Library houses more than 45 million pages of historical documents, as well as an extensive audiovisual collection, including over 650,000 photos, 12,000 hours of audio recordings, more than 2,000 oral history interviews, and 7,500 motion picture films and video recordings. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the political, social, and cultural climate of the 1960s, with exhibits ranging from civil rights and the Great Society programs to Johnson’s personal life and his presidency.
This time, when we visited the library, the fourth floor was closed. Since we had explored it during our previous visit, it wasn’t a huge disappointment, though we did hear that the fourth floor had been updated since our last trip.
The main highlight we were looking forward to was the Lady Bird Oval Office. Traveling with teenagers, we had assumed it would be an interactive experience, maybe a place to take photos up close or even “pretend to be president.” Unfortunately, the Oval Office was a bit underwhelming in that regard. Blocked off by plexiglass, the only option was to observe from a distance and snap a few photos. While it wasn’t the hands-on experience we had imagined, it was still interesting to see the space and imagine the things that might have taken place there.
Where is the Lyndon B. Johnson Library?
The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum is located in downtown Austin, on the campus of University of Texas. The library isn’t visible from the road, but is just a short walk from the Longhorn Arena.
To drive to the library, put this address in your GPS:
📍 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705
arking at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library
Parking for the Lyndon B. Johnson Library is free – during business hours – in lot #38. (please check museum website before your visiting, as this information can change at anytime). To find lot #38, look for brightly colored LBJ banners at the lot entrance located directly off Red River Street.
For those with disabilities, the parking lot is a short walk from the entrance.
How Much is Admission?
Admission to the library is $16 for adults, and $6 for teens 13-17, and free for children under 12.
Looking for a discount? Visit on Tuesday for half-price admission. The museum also participates in the Museums for All admission program for SNAP/WIC recipients, and provides free admission for up to 4 family members. Visit the website to see the full-list of discounts available.
Our Visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Library
Our visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Library took just over an hour, and was a unique experience, that was educational, interesting, and oddly, fun.
Though the library looks huge from the outside, visitors are only allowed to tour floors 3,4, and 10.
The library is full of nostalgia, and you’ll also see a lot from JFK’s presidency, since Johnson became president following his assassination. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library, and getting to finally see the Oval Office allowed us to finally check this museum off of our bucket list.
If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience, I highly recommend visiting this library. While admission is slightly higher than some other museums, be sure to check the library’s website, as they often offer discounts that make a visit more affordable. To learn more, visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library website.
Now it’s your turn, have you ever been to the Lyndon B. Johnson Library? Share your experience in the comments below!
Last Updated on 7 months ago by Crystal Carder