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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Photo Credit: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum

Where can you find a piece of the Berlin Wall, jars full of jellybeans, and a deactivated nuclear missile, all under one roof? The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum houses all this, and more.

Since the days of Herbert Hoover, it’s been an American tradition to establish a library of documents relevant to each president’s administration. The largest presidential library in America is devoted to the life and times of our 40th president—sportscaster turned actor turned governor turned commander-in-chief—Ronald Wilson Reagan. It’s home to more than 50 million pages of documents, 1.6 million photographs, and 750,000 feet of film and videotape.

The exhibits follow the architect of Reaganomics, from his childhood in Illinois through his various careers in Hollywood, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C. The presidential years—1981 to 1989—are chronicled in great detail, including a comprehensive overview of the critical decisions President Reagan made during his two terms in office. Many of the displays are accompanied by narration recorded by Mr. Reagan himself, a natural in front of a microphone. The library serves as a research facility, which is available for use through reservation.

To get a feel for what it’s like inside the White House, there’s a full-scale replica of the Oval Office and a re-creation of the Cabinet Room. You can also see an authentic cruise missile, plus gifts from heads of state, and dresses worn by First Lady Nancy Reagan. On the back terrace, a piece of the Berlin Wall is on exhibit.

If you’d like to take a little of the Reagan White House home with you, the gift shop has an extensive collection of Reagan-style clothing, Air Force One paraphernalia, blankets, ornaments, books, videos, and a line of patriotic wear for children. And as you might expect, there’s a Reagan Presidential Library jar of jelly beans.

Location
The Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is located at 40 Presidential Drive, approximately 45 minutes west of Los Angeles in Simi Valley. Directions can be found at the Web site.

Hours of operation

• The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., except on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• The research library is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is closed on federal holidays.

Cost

• General admission $5
• Seniors (ages 62+) $3
• Children (ages 14 and younger) Free

Contact information
Call (800) 410-8354 or send e-mail to reagan.library@nara.gov.

Disabled access
The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum offers disabled access. Wheelchairs are available for use at no cost.

Special consideration
If you’re interested in doing research at the reference library, please phone ahead at (800) 410-8354 to speak to an archivist.

Additional information

• Tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more people. For more information and reservations, call (800) 410-8354.
• Food is available on the premises at the Reagan Country Café.
• Visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.