Ronald Reagan Library and Museum; A Visitor's Guide

The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is one of the most historical places to visit in California. The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is dedicated to showcasing the life of President Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. The museum is filled with preserved artifacts and mementos, dating back to Ronald Reagan's childhood and continuing through his years as an actor, Govenor of California, and his time as President of the United States. The Ronald Reagan Library is a treasure chest for researchers, and holds archives of printed speeches, film, and other historical archives.

Location and Hours

The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is located at 40 Presidential Way, Simi Valley, California, 93065. The location is only about a 45 minute drive from the Los Angeles area, and just slighly more from other Southern California cities. The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is open seven days a week from 10 am until 5 pm, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Free parking is available. The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is wheelchair accessible and designated parking spots are available.

Admission

Admission for the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is $12 for adults (18-61), $9 for seniors 62 and up, $3 for children 11-17, and free for children under 11 years old. Admission includes self-guided tours, with docents available along the tour of the museum. Audio tours are available for purchase for just $5. Teachers may schedule free group visits to the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum by calling (800) 410-8354 ext. 5, for tours designed for kids in grades K-12.

The Museum Galleries

The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum has thousands of original artifacts on display, as well as the opportunity for visitors to take a walk through Air Force One, which President Reagan used during his presidency. Each gallery has a designated time period or theme, dating back to childhood, and including interesting glimpses at the life of the late President Ronald Reagan.

Launch Theater

The Launch Theater is a multimedia experience for visitors that includes flim clips and an overview of President Reagan's life. Included in this presentation are clips of Ronald Reagan's own words and memories.

Early Beginnings Gallery

The Early Beginnings Gallery begins the journey through former President Reagan's life, focusing on his earliest years and childhood expereinces. Artifacts from his childhood are showcased here. A tribute to the actor, Ronald Reagan, includes preserved original movie posters and costumes from the days when he was known as a Hollywood actor.

Citizen Governor Gallery

Ronald Reagan's new interest in politics is on display in the Citizen Governor Gallery. This gallery features artifacts and mementos from the days when Ronald Reagan began his shift toward politics, eventually becoming Governor of California.

New Beginnnings Gallery

The New Beginnings Gallery highlights former President Reagan's election and two-term presidency, which began on January 21, 1981. Artifacts and mementos are on display in this gallery.

Oval Office

Visitors interested in seeing what the Oval Office looked like during President Reagan's terms of office as the 40th President of the United States can view a replica of the Oval Office in this gallery section.

Residences

A special gallery section dedicated to showing where former President Reagan lived during his lifetime is presented in the Residences area of the Ronald Reagan Museum.

First Lady, Nancy Reagan

A gallery featuring the artifacts and mementos of former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, will be of interest to those who remember the 1980's. Nancy Reagan's personal items provide a glimpse into the life and times of this fashionable First Lady.

Presidential Gifts Gallery

The gifts given to former President Reagan by people all over the world are presented in this area of the Ronald Reagan Museum. A variety of interesting gifts are showcased, many personalized for President Reagan and his interests.

The Presidential Library

The Presidential Library at the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is designed to preserve historical archives, as well as make them available to researchers and the public. There is a vase selesction of presidential archives to investigate, view, or read through, and this is a great place for those who have an interest in researching more about former President Reagan's life and presidency.