John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

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Declaring the Revolution: America's Printed Path to Independence

Rare pamphlets, broadsides, maps and engravings from David M. Rubenstein's Americana collection trace how print carried the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence, marking its 250th anniversary.

Now showing22 Jun – 29 Nov$24

Permanent Collections

The Museum Pavilion

Visitors end the museum route in I. M. Pei's nine-storey glass atrium, a 76-foot-square space for reflection with views over the Boston Harbor Islands, the skyline and the water off Columbia Point.

Permanent collection$24

Lift-off! The U.S. Space Program

The Space Race gallery covers Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 flight, John Glenn's Friendship 7 orbits and Kennedy's decision to go to the Moon, with an Apollo 15 lunar sample on display.

Permanent collection$24

The Oval Office

A replica of the HMS Resolute desk and the personal objects Kennedy kept on it, alongside 1963 film of Birmingham, the University of Alabama and his televised address on civil rights.

Permanent collection$24

1960 Presidential Election

A recreated Democratic convention hall, a campaign office and Main Street USA follow Kennedy against Nixon, with the original TelePrompTer text of his nomination speech and the WBBM-TV debate camera.

Permanent collection$24

Visitor Information

How much does John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum cost?

Standard adult admission to John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is $24. Seniors 62+ and military veterans $12; college students $14; free for ages 17 and under, active-duty military, UMass Boston students, teachers and emergency personnel, returned Peace Corps volunteers, EBT/WIC holders and members of any National Archives presidential library. 50% off for Massachusetts public library cardholders.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum?

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is open Open daily 10:00–17:00; walk-up tickets are sold until 16:15. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day (26 November 2026) and Christmas Day, and closes early at 14:00 on 25 November, 24 December and 31 December 2026. In winter the Museum also closes on Wednesdays through January and February.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum?

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is located at Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125, United States, in the Columbia Point, Dorchester area of Boston. The nearest station is JFK/UMass (MBTA Red Line), then the free UMass Boston 'Paul Revere Route 1' shuttle to the Kennedy/Archives stop.

What can I see at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum?

I. M. Pei's white tower and glass pavilion on Boston Harbor, replaying JFK's 1,000 days from the 1960 campaign to the Moon. Current highlights include Declaring the Revolution: America's Printed Path to Independence, The Museum Pavilion and Lift-off! The U.S. Space Program.

Do I need to book John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.