John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library

John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library

John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
4.5
Speciality MuseumsLibrariesHistory Museums
About
Relive the Kennedy era in this dynamic combination museum and library, where your visit starts with a short film and then leaves you on your own to explore a series of fascinating exhibits, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, 1960s campaign paraphernalia and displays about Jacqueline and other Kennedy family members. The striking, I.M. Pei-designed building overlooks the water and the Boston skyline.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • butlerdawg
    Indianapolis, Indiana40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must Visit
    Visited with my 15 year old son. A lot to take in but well worth the visit. Would recommend making this a stop when visiting Boston. We learned many new and interesting things about JFK and his life.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written March 28, 2023
  • SouthDakotaDoni
    Sioux Falls, South Dakota68 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Deep Dive
    I learned SO MANY things about JFK that I had not previously been aware of. His life leading up to running for presidency was especially enlightening. I spent about 1.5hrs, did not read every single thing nor watch all the videos. I would expect a completely thorough visit to take more like 2.5-3hrs. Definitely recommend!
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 24, 2023
  • Stephan T
    Ottawa, Canada94 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An informative visit!
    This was my first “Presidential Library” visit and didn’t quite know what to expect. I quite enjoyed it - the documentary films provided helpful context, and it was neat learning more about this influential President. We unfortunately only had about 70 minutes to walk through, which wasn’t enough to fully absorb everything. Neat architecture as well by a famous Chinese-American architect.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written April 30, 2023
  • jaimeelsabio
    Maryland4,320 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth visiting if you’re a JFK or political enthusiast
    I went because my wife wanted to go. The introductory movie was good as was the one dealing with the Cuban missile crisis. There were enough exhibits to occupy 1.5-2 hours. My two favorite exhibits were the coconut he carved on after his PT boat was sunk and the piece of the Berlin Wall. There is a small cafeteria we ate at afterwards.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 9, 2023
  • Mark S
    Kansas City, Missouri66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A trip down memory lane.
    A trip back to my youth. I was a teenager when Kennedy was President. He set the tone for the 1960’s. Even though I am a history buffI still learned a few new things. They have a video with recordings of the discussions about the Cuban missile crisis. Hearing them made me shudder thinking about how close we came to a war with the Soviets. We had a tour guide, Janet, all to our selves and we had a great conversation with her.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written May 12, 2023
  • windy1875
    713 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bucket list
    We took the red line there were works ongoing so we had to get off at pre marked stop and get the bus the rest of the way, all very well organised. When the bus lets you off that’s where you get back on, don’t be fooled by the pick up sign at the actual library ! I really enjoyed this exhibition it’s all about his life before he was killed, albeit small nod to it at end of exhibition. Lovely walk outside where you could apparently walk all the way back to Boston but 1hr 20 plus in really warm weather didn’t suit us !
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written May 24, 2023
  • Dr Apurva Shah
    Ahmedabad District, India7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Scintillating
    Excellent for history buffs. Very well maintained memoirs of JFK. The documentary moves ones'self to the world war era. One must book the ticket and timeslot beforehand. Ticket is around $18.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written June 17, 2023
  • Chris P
    Wheaton, Illinois10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Best of Boston.
    This is the coolest museum I have ever been to in my life. I am a HUGE fan of JFK, so I am a little biased, but the immersive environments are truly unique and really well done. I laughed, cried, and am even inspired by all that this museum has to offer. I have gone twice and I greatly look forward to going again soon. If you are in Boston looking for something awesome to do, do this!!! It is very well priced and well worth the admission fee. Try to take one of their free public tours if you can, their guides are knowledgeable and offer so many things that the signs don’t say. If not, self-guided tours are just as fun and educational! Please go visit - you will not be disappointed.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written June 26, 2023
  • Kate S
    Orlando, Florida92 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice and well done museum
    I really enjoyed the museum. It is a beautiful building and the museum tells the story of Kennedy from his nomination for the Democratic Party to his legacy. Lots of neat artifacts and displays. We were there about 2 hours. If you are taking the T, take the red line to JFK/UMass and there is a shuttle that runs from there to the library and museum.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written June 28, 2023
  • Lady_Tam
    Brisbane Region, Australia94 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good
    It's an interesting museum - unsurprisinly only showing the positive side of JFK - and he did a lot of goid things. Unfortunately the day I was there was very misty so I didn't see the supposed beautiful views. There was no vegan food on offer but the lovely cashier arranged a huge salad and hummus wrap for me which was very reasonably priced. He even came over to check I was enjoying it! I rode a blue bike to the museum- the bike rack is about 500m further along the road.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written July 2, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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GoBluehose
Clinton, SC4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Great exhibits and a fantastic facility. Spent 2.5 hours there; could have easily spent 4+ hours, if we had the time. Highly recommended.
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AdvisinAnnie
Oregon2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Terrific pre-flight topper to exploration of historic Boston. Exhibits are very well done and accessible to all. Movie vignettes are well-produced and engaging for kids and adults alike. Free parking and easy 2-hr pre-flight activity. Minutes from Logan Airport. Gift shop and “cafe” offer limited options - spend your time in the museum!
Written March 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Phil G
Huddersfield, UK48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Having been to the JFK Museum in Cape Cod I wasn’t prepared for the level of detail, information, memorabilia and footage this museum offers. From the initial video the tour offers, at times, personal and sad coverage of JFK’s life and time in office.
With the opportunity to peruse all the artefacts and stories meant I was able to complete the tour without being ushered along or on a timescale.
The entrance fee is very good value for money.
The coffee and cakes in the cafe are pretty good too.
A great day and well worth a visit.
Thank you.
Written February 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Colin H
Worcester, UK25 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
We visited as tourists rather than users of the Library. The Museum part is well presented and informative. Understandably it tends to focus on the positive aspects of JFK's life and career. Even so, the displays are attractive and the archival items that are shown (films, papers, scripts and personal items) give you a good overview of this remarkable man who was so cruelly taken in the prime of his life and his presidency.

The Museum staff are helpful and we were pleased to buy some items from the shop as tangible reminders of this highly enjoyable experience.
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sandy W
Vancouver, Canada1,383 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is an excellent memorial to one of Americas greatest presidents. We took the 11:30 AM tour which lasted a full 90 minutes. The tour guide was excellent, providing information that is not recorded on the small cards and walls. However, if you suffer a back problem, like myself, and if you are unable to stand for long periods of time, you might end up just leaning against a wall. There are very few chairs inside the small rooms and there are many small rooms where the tour guide will take you. I suggested to the information desk that they provide more chairs as only one or two of the small rooms has a chair in it. There are some sofas located in the hallways, but the tour guides do not provide their descriptions in the hallways. Overall, an excellent experience. Try the Mediterranean salad and the clam chowder in the café. Both are reasonably priced and are excellent.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

luckyv
Coldwater, OH144 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
Everything about the library and museum is impressive. It is beautiful and very well done. The library and museum are near the grounds of University of Massachusetts
and overlook Boston Harbor.
I could have spent hours and hours there reading and learning about JFK. It was very, very interesting and I would highly recommend making time if in the Boston area.
Written November 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sharon R
Kirkwood, MO89 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
A wonderful reflection on Kennedy. East to take in yet leaves you with much to reflect upon. Very well done.
Nice cafe.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jane A
Honolulu, HI2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023
We have been through such chaotic times in recent years I needed to look back to times when wiser more compassionate leaders guided our country. To read the words and see the historic videos of JFK made me recall how there are still great minds and kind souls who want to unite, not tear our country apart.
Written October 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ScottS
Saint Paul, MN2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
What a great experience! Something for everyone at this museum. You are reminded about the 1960's and what an impact JFK had during his short time in office.
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pjgrad
Kent, WA502 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
This was an interesting way to spend a couple of hours. The video footage is especially meaningful. I liked the way they didn't dwell on the assassination (although it is important). The focus is on his actions and the outcomes.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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