Current Temporary Exhibit Commanding the Screen: The American Presidency in Film and Television August 17, 2024 - March 23, 2025 "Commanding the Screen: The American Presidency in Film and Television" presents a distinctive and compelling perspective on the role of the modern presidency in American society through the prism of television and film. This exhibition delves into the cinematic portrayal of fictional and non-fictional commanders-in-chief as symbols of the nation's spirit, values, and historical destiny. Using original costumes, props, and other memorabilia, Commanding the Screen offers a fresh and valuable insight into the intersection of politics and media. Past Exhibits Be Our Guest Closed: December 1, 2023 - May 27, 2024 "Be Our Guest" explores diplomatic visits to the White House by foreign leaders during the Clinton administration. This exhibit gives visitors an inside look at the thoughtful planning and detailed execution of diplomatic visits hosted by President Bill Clinton and then-First Lady Hillary Clinton. The exhibit features a rich collection of textual and audio-visual archives, gifts given to the Clintons by world leaders, original gowns and suits worn by the Clintons to White House dinners, and new videos with first-hand accounts from President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and key staff members from the Clinton administration. Dinosaur Explorer Closed: June 8, 2023 - October 1, 2023 Through a series of dynamic displays that featured 20 advanced animatronic dinosaurs, authentic fossil casts and highly interactive hands-on activities, visitors learned the science behind dinosaur adaptations and the connections humans share with our prehistoric predecessors. Women's Voices, Women's Votes, Women's Rights Closed: September 10, 2022 - April 30, 2023 The Clinton Presidential Center commemorated the anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Women’s Voices, Women’s Votes, Women’s Rights — a vibrant, multimedia exhibit exploring the risks women and their male allies took to win the vote, expand democracy, and elevate human rights. … Like It’s 1999: American Popular Culture in the 1990s Closed: November 23, 2019 – May 25, 2020 This exhibit featured an exciting and diverse display – from props and scripts to fashion and tech – that, together, will tell the story of popular culture in the United States at the end of the 20th century. Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea Closed: April 27 – October 27, 2019 This dynamic exhibit featured 20 giant, breathtaking sea life sculptures. To learn more visit www.washedashore.org. White House, Green Building Closed: September 8, 2018 – March 24, 2019 This exhibit explored how the Clinton administration worked to improve the environment, the green building design elements incorporated into the Clinton Presidential Center, and ways to make sustainable living a part of your everyday life. The exhibit used videos, augmented reality games, hands-on interactives, photos and text to teach about those themes. You could even walk through a full size tiny house built in the gallery! White House Collection of American Crafts 25th Anniversary Exhibit Closed: September 17, 2018 – March 31, 2019 The White House Collection of American Crafts was commissioned by First Lady Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton in 1993 as part of the “Year of American Craft: A Celebration of the Creative Work of the Hand.” The collection includes 73 works of glass, metal, ceramic, fiber, and wood, created by seventy-seven of America’s foremost artists. This exhibit celebrated the 25th anniversary of theses contemporary American crafts being displayed in the formal public rooms of the White House. Louder Than Words – Rock, Power, and Politics Closed: March 12 – August 5, 2018 Since it burst on the scene, rock and roll has been the soundtrack of American life. It’s been there at every moment – in war and peace, in the struggle for human rights, and in triumph and tragedy. Politically, it marches with us in protest, champions the American Dream, supports campaigns, and amplifies our voices when we demand change. It embraces those who are different and encourages others to do the same. Rock and roll is the voice of “us” – of people around the world who strive to be heard. It reflects our world or a call for it to change. The music speaks for us and with us, and ultimately is louder than words. The Great Expedition: Exploring the Louisiana Purchase and its Impact on Arkansas Closed: February 3 – March 4, 2018 This exhibit explored the impact of the most important land deal in American history – one that ultimately created the State of Arkansas. It featured three original Louisiana Purchase documents alongside art and artifacts from the Arkansas State Archives, Historic Arkansas Museum, The Gousset Family of Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi & Ouachita Baptist University Library Archives and Special Collections, and the Tennessee State Museum. Mandela: The Journey to Ubuntu Closed: September 24, 2017 – February 19, 2018 This exhibit allowed visitors to experience locations that played an integral role in South Africa’s path to racial equality and President Mandela’s personal fight for freedom. Visitors were able to step into a recreation of the eight-by-seven-foot prison cell that Nelson Mandela was sentenced to live in for 18 of his 27 years in captivity, which visually demonstrates the harsh reality to which he was confined. Art of Africa: One Continent, Limitless Vision Closed: August 26, 2017 – February 11, 2018 Art of Africa: One Continent, Limitless Vision explored the colors, shapes, and textures of Africa through a diverse collection of art from the continent. Xtreme BUGS Closed: April 22, 2017 – July 23, 2017 Enveloped in the larger-than-life landscape of Xtreme BUGS, visitors were transported into a vivid, dynamic and awe-inspiring new environment. Surrounded by giant, larger-than-life animatronic insects, this up-close look at the bizarre physical characteristics of bugs and the science behind their mind-boggling behaviors inspired, surprised and educated guests of all ages. Ladies and Gentlemen: The Beatles! Closed: October 8, 2016 – April 2, 2017 On February 7, 1964, four lads from Liverpool, England, stepped onto American soil for the first time as a band. Their performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” two days later officially launched the years-long frenzy that followed, known as “Beatlemania.” The cultural and musical landscape of America was forever changed by The Beatles. Curated by the GRAMMY Museum, along with Fab Four Exhibits LLC. Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles!, explored and celebrated The Beatles’ impact on the American Experience from the fan perspective. American Champions: The Quest for Olympic Glory Closed: March 12 – September 11, 2016 Set against the backdrop of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this exhibit told the story of American athletes in the modern Olympic Games. Beyond celebrating their achievements and athleticism, the exhibit, like the Olympic Games themselves, honored the human spirit that unites us all: across borders, generations, gender and race. The exhibit included photographs, film, and memorabilia featuring dozens of American Olympic athletes. Coca-Cola: An American Classic Closed: November 7, 2015 – February 15, 2016 This exhibit celebrated the art and history of the Coca-Cola bottle on its 100th anniversary. The exhibition featured a chronology of the Coca-Cola Bottle, pop art by by Andy Warhol, American classics by Norman Rockwell, Santa Clauses by Haddon Sundblom, and folk art by Howard Finster. Dinosaurs Around the World Closed: April 25 – October 18, 2015 Dinosaurs Around the World took visitors back in time on a dinosaur adventure and a tour of an Earth very different from today – a time before the continents as we know them existed, when lush landscapes covered Africa and greenery was the norm in Antarctica! Pigskin Peanuts” & “Heartbreak in Peanuts Closed: January 17 – April 5, 2015 In honor of the 65th Anniversary of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts, two new exhibitions from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California premiered at William J. Clinton Presidential Library. Both exhibitions featured reproductions of Charles Schulz’s original Peanuts strips, 5-foot sculptures of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, and themed objects and ephemera. Chihuly Closed: May 17, 2014 – January 5, 2015 Chiluly is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement. This special exhibit included four specially designed installations that highlighted Chihuly’s classical work and new designs. Visitors were welcomed by 200 Red Reeds installed in the Library’s fountains. The exhibit also included a glass tower, garden of glass, and Seaforms. Spies, Traitors, and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America Closed: January 18 – April 27, 2014 Created by the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America dramatically illustrated the challenge of securing our nation without compromising the civil liberties upon which it was founded. Presidential Pets: A Friend In The White House Closed: February 1 – April 27, 2014 Animals have always been a major part of life at the White House. Pampered pets, working livestock, and strays have all lived at the White House over the years. Some were simply family pets, while others helped shape the President’s public image or played a role in international diplomacy. This exhibit featured the likeness of many of the pets who once lived at the White House. Oscar de la Renta: American Icon Closed: May 18 – December 1, 2013 This seminal fashion exhibition celebrated the world-renowned work and inspiring life of designer Oscar de la Renta. The exhibit featured more than thirty of his iconic creations worn by leading arbiters of style, from First Ladies to Hollywood’s brightest stars. And Freedom For All: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Closed: August 10 – November 17, 2013 This exhibit paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of The March on Washington. The March took place in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963. A highlight of the exhibit included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. President Clinton declared the speech to be “the clearest clarion call to the more perfect union of America in the 21 century.” George Washington’s Acts of Congress Closed: June 30 – July 12, 2013 George Washington’s personal copy of the Laws of the United States, First Session 1789, also known as the Acts of Congress, was on display at the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum through a special partnership. Jazz: Through the Eyes of Herman Leonard Closed: March 2, 2013 – July 21, 2013 Herman Leonard was a popular and influential photographer well into the 2000s, but is best known for his crisp, high-contrast black and white images of famous jazz performers from the 1940s and 1950s. This exhibit featured over 40 large-format black and white prints made and signed by Herman Leonard. To help tell the story of the artists in the images personal objects will accompanied the stunning Leonard images. Tokens of Friendship: Foreign Head of State Gifts Closed: December 12, 2012 – February 24, 2013 This exhibit featured gifts given to President Clinton and the First Lady by world leaders during their time in the White House. In Pieces Closed: December 12, 2012 – January 31, 2013 This exhibit featured a multi-media collaboration between sculptor, Nathan Sawaya and photographer, Dean West. The images were constructed using modern photography techniques, combined with specially sculpted LEGO® objects placed within the scenes. Play Ball! The St. Louis Cardinals Closed: March 3 – September 16, 2012 “Play Ball” featured decades of memorabilia from one of our country’s most storied franchises, the St. Louis Cardinals. Over 100 items, such as the World Series trophy from 2006 and 2011, championship rings, and artifacts were on display.