Former President George W. Bush has unveiled a new art exhibit titled “A Shining City on the Hilltop” at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus in Dallas, Texas. This collection features 35 never-before-seen oil paintings that capture life across the Bush Center and SMU’s campus, including scenes of visitors from the Bush Center, neighbors enjoying the Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park, fans cheering on the SMU Mustangs, student life, and more. The exhibit is on display in Freedom Hall at the Bush Center through October 19, 2025.
The title of the exhibit, “A Shining City on the Hilltop”, is a nod to both SMU’s nickname, “The Hilltop,” and former President Ronald Reagan’s famous use of the phrase “shining city upon a hill” to refer to America. The exhibit reflects Bush’s appreciation for the SMU community and pays homage to Reagan’s vision of America as a beacon of hope and opportunity.
This marks the fifth exhibit of Bush’s artwork at the center, and it will be open to the public through October 19.
