President Bush's Veteran Portraits to be Featured in New EPCOT Gallery

May 03, 2024 in "The American Heritage Gallery"

George W. Bush Institute Portraits of Courage Exhibit to Debut at EPCOT
Posted: Friday May 3, 2024 7:11am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Walt Disney Company is set to open a new gallery at EPCOT's American Adventure pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort.

The exhibit, titled "Portraits of Courage: A Commander's Tribute to America's Warriors," will feature over 60 full-color portraits painted by former President George W. Bush. These portraits depict service members and veterans who have served since 9/11, all of whom President Bush got to know personally after his presidency.

This exhibit, which opens on June 9 and will run for a year, is a product of President Bush's dedication to veterans and the ongoing efforts of the Bush Institute's Veterans and Military Families program. According to Disney, the gallery aligns with its century-long history of supporting the U.S. military.

"Celebrating those who give so much to our country has been part of the fabric of The Walt Disney Company throughout our 100-year history," said Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. "We're grateful to the Bush Institute for allowing us to feature this special collection and share it with our guests."

Each portrait is paired with the subject's story, written by Bush, highlighting their courage in battle, recovery journey, and continued contributions as civilians. Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, expressed his hope that visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the service and sacrifices of the military community.

In addition to the artwork, the exhibit provides resources for veteran support, including access to no-cost mental and brain health care through a program detailed at www.veterancheckin.org.

Disney's commitment to the military extends beyond this exhibition. Since 2012, the company has donated over twenty million dollars to nonprofits aiding veterans and military families. Disney also honors military personnel through its "Heroes Work Here" initiative and offers various discounts and special events for military families at its theme parks.

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TrainsOfDisneyJun 27, 2024

Not meant as a criticism but I’m surprised this wasn’t done at Main Street at a Flag Retreat.

DCBakerJun 27, 2024

Here's video of the ceremony if anyone wanted to watch:

BrianJun 27, 2024

Somewhat related. https://disneyconnect.com/disneyworld-press/release/disney-cast-member-awarded-purple-heart-at-american-pavilion-in-epcot/

TrainsOfDisneyJun 08, 2024

It’s very fitting… not sure anything could be more fitting - but it’s not an ideal place for a few reasons. That is a temporary display (“temporary” at Epcot can be a long time of course - but that gallery rotates frequently).

dreamfindingJun 08, 2024

Well, I think the context of the art that just got installed is fitting for the American Adventure… The Native American display does need to stay. Plus, installations like these usually aren’t permanent.

castlecake2.0Jun 08, 2024

Yahhhhh I’d prefer this in the actual gallery

EricsBiscuitJun 08, 2024

They should have replaced the American Heritage Gallery exhibit instead of the classic Epcot Center art! Ayayay

dreamfindingJun 08, 2024

IIRC, they had some different artifacts on display. I believe one of those was Louis Armstrong’s trumpet. It was more of a traveling display that eventually ended up in Downtown Disney.

DisneyDreamerxyzJun 08, 2024

I remember when the movie Soul came out weren't all the paintings about jazz history ?

aladdin2007Jun 08, 2024

Im surprised as well, it seems a bit jarring in the rotunda,,thought for sure it would go in the gallery,,,at the same time still glad to have the native American exhibit. But your right.

jeanericuser001Jun 08, 2024

That would explain the smell. 🤮

TrainsOfDisneyJun 07, 2024

The only downside of this - these replace the semi-permanent paintings of American History that set the tone and story of the American adventure. These modern paintings slightly clash with the rest of the Rotunda. The gallery space is where I assumed this was going - that has always been rotating exhibits. The positive side is, we have two exhibits - the President George Bush paintings and the Native American artifacts and exhibit.

Jambo DadJun 07, 2024

This deserves everyone’s thumbs up. 🥲