Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

Collections and exhibits

The library holds a broad archival collection that supports historical research and public education. Holdings typically include official papers, photographs, audiovisual recordings, oral histories and artifacts from the Johnson presidency. Exhibits interpret domestic achievements such as the Great Society initiatives, civil rights legislation, Medicare and antipoverty programs, as well as the international and wartime issues of the era.

History and architecture

The institution opened in the early 1970s and sits adjacent to the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs on the University of Texas campus in Austin. Its design and placement reflect a mid-20th-century approach to presidential memorials—combining archival repositories with public exhibition space and educational facilities. The grounds include memorial features and the simple, dignified interment site for the Johnsons.

Programs, research and public use

As both a museum and research center, the library provides access to scholars, hosts permanent and temporary exhibits, and runs educational programs for students and the public. Researchers consult the archives to study topics ranging from civil rights and social policy to Cold War diplomacy. The library also organizes lectures, seminars and public events that connect Johnson-era history to contemporary issues.

Notable facts and visitor information

• The library is closely linked with the LBJ School of Public Affairs and contributes to academic programming in Austin, Texas: Austin resources.
• The campus contains the burial site of Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson; information on Lady Bird is available via Lady Bird Johnson.
• Researchers often consult the library for primary sources about the 1960s United States, including administration minutes, recordings and photographs.