Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

About the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is home to a large Thomas Hart Benton mural: Independence and the Opening of the West. This mural was painted in place at the lobby of the Library by Thomas Hart Benton, with photos below and available at the Library’s website.

How Thomas Hart Benton and Harry S. Truman Met

Thomas Hart Benton’s first reported meeting of Harry S. Truman was at a press conference and then again at a dinner in Kansas City. Neither meeting appeared to be the beginning of a friendship. However, they were brought together later to discuss the possibility of a mural, which led to many discussions and the true beginnings of a relationship. You may read more about this in Prologue Magazine.

Photos of & Art by Thomas Hart Benton in the Archives at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Thomas Hart Benton lighting his pipe while working on "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. (March 10, 1960)
Thomas Hart Benton working on "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. (March 10, 1960)
Thomas Hart Benton working on "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. (March 10, 1960)
Thomas Hart Benton working with his associate on "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. (March 10, 1960)
Thomas Hart Benton working on the lower part of "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. (February 28, 1961)
Thomas Hart Benton working on the lower part of "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. (February 28, 1961)
Thomas Hart Benton with President Harry S. Truman in front of "Independence and the Opening of the West" at the dedication of the mural. (April 15, 2961)
Thomas Hart Benton and President Harry S. Truman posing in front of "Independence and the Opening of the West." (1962)
Lithograph of "Independence and the Opening of the West" with overlay in the center.
Thomas Hart Benton stepping back to view the work in progress of his mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" at the Harry S. Truman Library lobby. (circa 1961)

Uncovering the art

Thomas Hart Benton’s mural, “Independence and the Opening of the West,” was covered during renovations at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. This timelapse video is the uncovering of the artwork post-renovations.

Painting the mural

A silent film by Dr. Sam T. Wilson of Thomas Hart Benton painting his mural “Independence and the Opening of the West” at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.

Visiting Information

500 W US Hwy 24
Independence, MO 64050

816-268-8200

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/

Hours

  • Monday: Closed

  • Tuesday: Closed

  • Wednesday: Closed

  • Thursday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM

  • Friday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM

  • Saturday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM

  • Sunday: Closed

Holidays

Closed on the following days:

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

  • New Year's Day

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