Former President George W. Bush is debuting 16 new paintings for a "Remembering 9/11" exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. The showcase runs from September 1 to 30 and honors the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred during his presidency.
The collection features acrylic and oil paintings on stretched 16-by-20-inch canvases meant to "reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience" that emerged following the devastating attack, according to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. The featured image shows a painting depicting a helmet and flowers at Engine Co. 55 firehouse in New York City, one of the fire crews that lost members during the emergency response after the World Trade Center was hit.
Tickets for adults are priced at $26, with children under 12 admitted for $20. Seniors and teenagers ages 13 through 17 receive discounted pricing. Visitors can view the collection at Freedom Hall, a 67-foot-tall structure at the presidential center in Dallas.
This is not Bush's first time exhibiting his artwork at the museum. In August 2020, he displayed an exhibit of stories and portraits based on 43 immigrants he spoke with during and after his presidency.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics have noted that Bush has pursued art following a presidency marked by controversial decisions, including the Iraq War launched in 2003. Some observers from more progressive perspectives have observed that the former president has sought to cultivate a softer public image through creative pursuits in his post-White House years.
Supporters of Bush's current artistic endeavor note that the 9/11 exhibit provides an opportunity to honor first responders and reflect on national unity during a time of division. The focus on rescue workers and community resilience resonates with themes of collective sacrifice that span political affiliations.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservatives have largely welcomed Bush's art exhibition as a meaningful way to commemorate the September 11 attacks. Many Republican commentators have praised the former president for using his platform to honor the memory of those lost and to highlight the heroism of first responders who risked their lives at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The exhibit has drawn particular appreciation for its focus on Engine Co. 55, a firehouse that suffered losses during the emergency response. Republican voices have emphasized that Bush's artwork serves as a personal reflection from someone who was in office during one of the nation's darkest moments.
What the Numbers Show
The exhibit features 16 original paintings on canvas measuring 16 by 20 inches each.
Tickets are priced at $26 for adults, $20 for children under 12, with discounted rates available for seniors and teenagers ages 13 through 17.
The collection will be displayed throughout September, marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on September 11, 2001. Engine Co. 55 was among the fire companies that lost firefighters during the response to the World Trade Center collapse, with Lt. Freund among those who died while helping others escape the North Tower.
The Bottom Line
The exhibit represents Bush's continued investment in artistic pursuits following his presidency, which began after he left office in 2009. Visitors to Freedom Hall in Dallas can view the collection throughout September. The artwork provides a personal perspective from the president who was in office during the attacks and offers a visual tribute to first responders and national resilience on the quarter-century anniversary of 9/11.