The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum occupies a 100 acre site overlooking the beautiful Simi Valley in southern California.
What to See Inside the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum
The museum has over 100,000 square feet of display space in 24 galleries exploring every detail of Ronald Reagan’s life and career. Beginning with his boyhood in Illinois, then his education and early career, his move to California, his acting career and leadership in Hollywood, and finally his political rise to the offices of governor of California and then President of the United States, the multimedia exhibits explore both the public and personal details of an amazing life of purpose and leadership in American history. Special sections provide in-depth looks at seminal events of his Presidency, including his two landslide election victories, the 1981 assassination attempt on his life, his efforts to rebuild the American economy, his commitment to victory in the Cold War, and his ultimate triumph as the leading international statesman of his era.
In addition to telling the life story of Ronald Reagan, the museum displays hundreds of Presidential gifts received from world leaders, visiting dignitaries and common citizens throughout his terms in office.
A full sized reproduction of the Oval Office illustrates how it looked during the Reagan presidency. Decorated in earth tones, western art, and a collection of Paul Rossi miniature bronze saddles, Reagan’s choices are an obvious illustration of his love for the American West.
A unique treasure are the handwritten diaries Ronald Reagan kept throughout his eight years in Office. Recorded on an almost daily basis, they provide a running commentary of thoughts and observations by the sitting President.
The Air Force One Pavilion
The Hollywood glamour of the Reagan Presidency is on display most clearly in the amazing Air Force One Pavilion, a 90,000 square foot gallery housing the actual plane that carried Ronald Reagan over 660,000 miles to 26 countries and 46 states during his time in office. Visitors can have their picture snapped at the door of the plane, then enjoy a guided tour of the plane itself, viewing every room from front to rear. The President’s private cabin, his office in the air, communications and staff facilities, guest cabins and even the storage location of the “nuclear football” are all visible along the way in what was affectionately called the Flying White House.
Exploring the Grounds of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Outside the library and museum building, visitors are welcome to enjoy replicas of the White House rose garden and the south lawn, one of the first major pieces of the Berlin Wall taken out of Germany, and a decommissioned F-14 Tomcat. Major sculptures of Ronald Reagan on his horse and a smiling Ronald Reagan greeting visitors at the front door are offer a wonderful representation of his character.America’s best days are yet to come.
The Ronald and Nancy Reagan Memorial site, their final resting place, offers a quiet place to pay respects and meditate overlooking the beautiful valley below.
Visitor Information
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Phone: +1 (805) 577-4000
Fax: +1 (805) 577-4074
Hours
Open Daily 10:00-17:00
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Parking
Free parking is available on site.
Accessibility
The facility is wheelchair accessible and provides special needs parking.
Admission
Admission fee permits visitors into all galleries including Air Force One. For more information and rates, visit the library website or call +1 (805) 577-4000.
Research Room Hours
Open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00
Closed holidays
Call +1 (805) 577-4055 for more information
Group tours
For groups of 20 or more, scheduled tours may be arranged in advance by calling +1 (805) 577-4066.
Museum Store
The Museum Store offers an extensive selection of Reagan memorabilia, clothing, books, videos and posters. Shop online or call +1 (800) 998-7641 to request a catalog.
Restaurant
Reagan’s Country Cafe offers a full menu from late morning to early afternoon.
Pub
Located in the Air Force One Pavilion, the Ronald Reagan Pub and Snack Bar offers light snacks and souvenirs. The pub is the original O’Farrell’s Pub from Ballyporeen, Ireland, Reagan’s ancestral home, which he and Nancy visited in 1984.
Directions to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
The Ronal Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is located in beautiful Simi Valley, about 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles: Take I-405 north towards Sacramento to CA Route 118 West towards Simi Valley. Exit at Madeira Road South. Follow the signs for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Presidential Drive and follow it to the top of the hill.
From Ventura and Santa Barbara: Take US 101 south towards Los Angeles. Merge onto CA Route 23 north towards Fillmore. Take the Olsen Road exit east towards Simi Valley. Turn left onto Presidential Drive and follow it to the top of the hill.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation
The Ronal Reagan Presidential Foundation is the sole charity created by Ronald Reagan to preserve his legacy and promote theprinciples he held dear: individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy and national pride.
The foundation owns and jointly operates the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library with the National Archives and Records Administration in addition, it operates the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center, the Air Force One Discovery Center, and the Air Force One Pavilion.
The foundation receives no government funding, solely depending on private donations for its support. To learn more about how you can become involved in the work of the foundation, visit www.reganlibrary.org or call +1 (805) 522-2977.
Visit the American Presidential Libraries Discover the Lives and Legacies of United States Presidents
The Presidential Libraries are a unique resource for preservation, research and exploration of the lives and legacies of United States Presidents. Starting with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who raised private funds to build a library that he then gave to the United States as an archival resource for the country, each successive President has likewise [...]
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