GOP debate is Wednesday: Here's what you need to know about the Reagan Library

Watching the Republican presidential debate Wednesday at the Reagan Library might be the best way to get to know the candidates but it's also a chance to showcase the popular debate venue.

Here's some trivia about the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley you might not know.

How many times has the Reagan Library hosted the Republican presidential debates?

The library has hosted GOP debates four times: in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2015. Wednesday's debate will be its fifth.

When did the Reagan Library open?

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum opened Nov. 4, 1991, high on a Simi Valley hilltop.

Where is Simi Valley?

The city of Simi Valley lies in Ventura County in Southern California. It's less than 50 miles north of Los Angeles.

Who attended the library's opening?

The opening was the first time that five living U.S. presidents gathered at the same place simultaneously. In addition to Reagan, then-President George H.W. Bush and former presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon attended the event.

Wednesday's debate will take place in the Air Force One Pavilion. What is that?

The Air Force One Pavilion houses the Boeing 707 aircraft used by Reagan and six other presidents from 1972-2001. It opened in October 2005. It's one of the library's biggest attractions. Visitors can walk through the aircraft.

What other attractions can guests see at the library?

The Reagan Library maintains a host of permanent exhibits covering the 40th president's early life, political career and post presidency. The venue has a replica of the Oval Office and a piece of the Berlin Wall on the west side of the building among many offerings.

Is the Reagan Library popular?

Yes. The Reagan Library is among the most popular of the presidential libraries. The Simi Valley library routinely welcomes the most visitors annually, according to VisitCalifornia.com. Prior to the pandemic, the library averaged about 375,000 visitors a year.

Who's buried at the library?

Ronald Reagan was buried there June 11, 2004. His wife Nancy Reagan joined him March 11, 2016.

Have more questions about the library? Email us at news@vcstar.com and we'll try to find the answer.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: GOP debate: Here's what to know about the Reagan Library