The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is the best day trip from central Kansas City for anyone who likes American history. It stands at 500 West U.S. Highway 24 in Independence, Missouri, to the east of downtown and a short drive away, and it tells the story of the thirty-third president through a museum that recently finished its first major renovation in more than twenty years. The result is a modern, well-lit set of galleries rather than a dusty shrine. The current featured exhibit is titled An Ordinary Man, His Extraordinary Journey, which captures the museum’s approach: Truman was a farmer, a haberdasher and a county judge before he became a senator, vice president and, suddenly, president in April 1945. The galleries follow the decisions that defined his presidency and the Cold War world that followed. The Truman family is buried in the courtyard of the library, which gives the visit a quiet, reflective ending. Tickets are inexpensive, with discounts for seniors, veterans, college students and youth, and children twelve and under are free. Allow at least two hours, longer if you enjoy reading exhibit text.
Hours and seasons
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. On Sundays it is closed from January to March and open from noon to 5 pm from April to December. It is also closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, so plan around those dates. Because Independence is a drive from downtown, it is worth confirming the day before you set out.
Tickets and admission
Adults pay twelve dollars, seniors aged sixty-two and over and veterans and military retirees pay ten, college students with identification pay eight, and youth aged thirteen to eighteen pay five. Children twelve and under and members are free, and no admission is needed to browse the Museum Store.
Tickets are bought online, and the ticket covers all exhibits. For a refund or a change of date, the library asks for at least twenty-four hours’ notice by email. These are the prices on the venue’s hours page, so check for changes before you travel.
Making a day of it
Independence has more Truman history than the library alone, including the Truman family home, which is run separately as a national park site, and the historic square. Visitors who love political history will want to spend a full half-day in the area. If you are short of time, the library on its own makes a rewarding two-hour visit and pairs well with the National WWI Museum and Memorial for a history-themed day, since Truman served as an artillery officer in the First World War.
Drive or take a rideshare from downtown, as it is not on the streetcar line.
What to expect
The experience
A presidential museum with recently renovated galleries following Harry Truman from Missouri farm life to the White House, plus the courtyard where the Truman family is buried.
Best time
Weekday mornings are calm, and Sunday visits are possible only from April to December.
How long
Two hours for the main exhibits, three if you read closely or add the museum store.
Tips
Buy tickets online, check the holiday closures and allow travel time from downtown, since Independence is a drive away.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers, anyone interested in the presidency, and visitors who want a quieter alternative to the downtown museums.
- Families
- Best for older children and teenagers, and children twelve and under are free.
- Couples
- A thoughtful half-day outing, easily combined with lunch in Independence.
- Pair with
- The National WWI Museum and Memorial, since Truman served in the First World War, or a visit to the Independence square.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, plus travel.
Good questions
Where is the Truman Library?+
It is at 500 West U.S. Highway 24 in Independence, Missouri, east of downtown Kansas City.
When is it open?+
Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Sundays are closed from January to March and run noon to 5 pm from April to December.
Which days is it closed?+
It is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
How much does it cost?+
Adults pay twelve dollars, with lower prices for seniors, veterans, college students and youth. Children twelve and under are free. Confirm current prices before you go.
Is the museum new?+
The museum recently finished its first major renovation in more than twenty years, and its featured exhibit is An Ordinary Man, His Extraordinary Journey.
