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The entrance to the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, along with a few exhibitions, are on Floor 3. The gift store and exit are also on this floor.
Presidential Limo
First of all, opposite the admissions desk is the presidential limo used by Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) after he left the White House. The limo was custom-built and ordered in 1968 and was mainly used in Austin.
The limo weighs 5,100 pounds and has a V-8 engine. It’s equipped with a radio, television, and telephone, per Secret Service requirements. The limo is not armored, bulletproof, or bombproof.
LBJ Animatronic
Near the Introduction Theatre, where visitors can watch an 11-minute introductory film about LBJ, is an animatronic version of the President. It tells some of his favorite stories from real life audio recordings, showing his sense of humor and gift of storytelling.
The animatronic was donated to the LBJ Presidential Library in 1997 by retailer Neiman Marcus, which is headquartered in Dallas. It was originally commissioned for one of their Dallas branches. Across from the animatronic are phone booths where visitors can listen to selected clips of 643 hours of the President’s recorded telephone conversations.
LBJ Timeline
Finally, next to the special exhibition gallery, is a timeline of the lives of LBJ and his wife Lady Bird’s (1912-2007). Important moments of their lives are intertwined with world events, with photos and artifacts adding to the timeline.
Some of the most interesting pieces featured on the timeline are original letters written to or by LBJ. They cover both personal and professional events in his life.
