The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW) welcomed hundreds of visitors on Saturday, December 6, for the grand reopening of the renovated George H. W. Bush Gallery.

The ceremony began with remarks from Commissioner George P. Bush, Texas Historical Commission Chairman John L. Nau, III, and Admiral Nimitz Foundation CEO Rorie Cartier. Four World War II veterans were honored on stage, underscoring the event’s historical significance.

Austin Street was closed to traffic to accommodate the crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting and opening activities. Commissioner Bush noted the Gallery’s connection to his grandfather, President George H. W. Bush, who attended its original dedication in 2009. The reopening marks the first major update to the Gallery in more than 15 years.

The redesigned space features immersive storytelling, interactive exhibits, decision-making games, nine virtual historical characters, and nearly 300 newly displayed artifacts. The refreshed layout aims to provide visitors with a clearer and more engaging interpretation of the Pacific War.

Festivities continued throughout the day with Living History Outposts, hourly weapons demonstrations at the Pacific Combat Zone, and a film on the significance of Pearl Harbor shown in the Historic Nimitz Ballroom.

The George H. W. Bush Gallery is now open to the public. More information is available at pacificwarmuseum.org.