Attraction
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston's encyclopaedic art museum on Huntington Avenue in the Fenway, with collections ranging from ancient Nubia and Japan to American art and late evening opening on…
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
I. M. Pei's presidential library on Columbia Point in Dorchester, with permanent exhibitions on John F. Kennedy's campaign, presidency, the space race and the Kennedy family.
At a glance
- Type
- Presidential museum
- Area
- Columbia Point, Dorchester, Boston, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 09:00–17:00
- Official site
- jfklibrary.org
Good to know
- Permanent exhibitions
- Introductory film
- Group discounts
Why we recommend it
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum stands on Columbia Point in Dorchester, next to the University of Massachusetts Boston campus. The building was designed by I. M. Pei and dedicated on 20 October 1979. It is both a research library, run as part of the National Archives presidential library system, and a museum about Kennedy's life, his presidency and his family.
A visit begins with an introductory film, and the permanent exhibitions then follow his career in sequence. They cover the 1960 campaign trail, a recreated briefing room with his speeches and press conferences, the space race, including the Freedom 7 capsule, Robert F. Kennedy's time as attorney general, a recreation of the Oval Office, and galleries on Jacqueline Kennedy and the wider Kennedy family. The library also holds a major Ernest Hemingway collection for researchers, and Kennedy's sailboat Victura is displayed outdoors from May to October.
The museum is open every day from 9am to 5pm, except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and it closes at 2pm on the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The final introductory film starts at 3:55pm, so arrive in good time if you want to see the whole sequence. Youth tickets cover ages 13 to 17, there are reduced rates for seniors and students, and groups of 12 or more can book discounted visits in advance. Veterans get free admission around Veterans Day.
Allow two to three hours. The exhibitions are well suited to adults and older children with an interest in American history, the Cold War or the space programme; younger children may find a film-led, text-heavy museum less engaging, so plan shorter stops with them.
Columbia Point is away from the main downtown sights, so it is worth giving the library a half day of its own rather than squeezing it between other visits. The library's website gives up-to-date directions and parking information. Visitors who also go to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate get a small discount on a same-day visit to the library, and the Go Boston Card is accepted for entry.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum FAQs
When is the museum open?
Every day from 9am to 5pm, except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
When does the last film start?
The final introductory film begins at 3:55pm.
Are there early closings?
Yes. The museum closes at 2pm on the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Who designed the building?
The architect I. M. Pei. The library was dedicated on 20 October 1979.
What are the main exhibitions?
The 1960 campaign, the briefing room, the space race with the Freedom 7 capsule, the attorney general's office, the Oval Office, Jacqueline Kennedy and the Kennedy family.
Are there group discounts?
Yes. Groups of 12 or more get a discount with an advance reservation.
How long should you allow?
Two to three hours.
How do you contact the library?
Call 617-514-1600 or email [email protected].