John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
3.9
About
This simple monument to the slain president was built on a plaza adjacent to the Texas School Book Depository building.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas, a hub of modernity with a touch of Texas charm, offers a plethora of attractions. Majestic skyscrapers like the iconic Reunion Tower dominate the skyline, while a stroll around the Arts District reveals a treasure trove of museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center. Klyde Warren Park, a green oasis amidst the buildings, hosts food trucks, yoga classes, and free concerts. Foodies will be spoilt for choice with the multitude of dining options, from upscale steakhouses to authentic Tex-Mex joints. With a well-connected network of DART buses and light rail, exploring the area is a breeze.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.9
1,000 reviews
Excellent
359
Very good
308
Average
236
Poor
60
Terrible
37
craig1086
Atlanta, GA1,993 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
Came here expecting more. For such a legacy of JFK, I expected something more elaborate. But once you go inside, it gets noticeably quiet. Definitely a somber place, but a simple memorial. A sign of the times back then I guess, so maybe it's fitting.
Written September 7, 2020
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.
Ace5150
Nuneaton, UK113 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
An interesting if not unremarkable monument to assassinated President Kennedy.
It probably symbolises something, but the design is lost on me.
Over the years, exhaust fumes from vehicles have stained the once bright white concrete, now it looks a tired beige in parts.
Unfortunately, when I visited it, a few homeless people were gathering. They weren't intimidating or threatening, but certainly unwelcome.
It's a monument that appears to be unfinished, don't ask me why.
It probably symbolises something, but the design is lost on me.
Over the years, exhaust fumes from vehicles have stained the once bright white concrete, now it looks a tired beige in parts.
Unfortunately, when I visited it, a few homeless people were gathering. They weren't intimidating or threatening, but certainly unwelcome.
It's a monument that appears to be unfinished, don't ask me why.
Written January 2, 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.
dambanker
Toronto, Canada1,936 contributions
Oct 2022
Had some down time in downtown Dallas. This was only a short walk from where I was staying. I wanted to see this specifically. It's interesting. Not sure I connected with it the way the artist intended though. Worth seeing and I'm happy that I did.
Written October 21, 2022
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.
Celine D
United States11 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas carries a quiet, haunting presence. When you step into the open-air monument, there’s an overwhelming sense of stillness, as if time pauses for reflection. Designed by Philip Johnson, its simple, almost stark concrete walls form a square enclosure, leaving the sky open above, which gives the feeling of both isolation and connection. Standing there, you can’t help but think about the profound impact of Kennedy’s life and legacy. The design, minimal yet thoughtful, leaves room for personal emotions to rise, offering a peaceful space to honor his memory without distraction. Being so close to Dealey Plaza adds to its emotional weight—it’s a place of remembrance that feels both personal and deeply tied to a pivotal moment in history.
Written September 9, 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.
lamarbradley
Nashville, TN1,263 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
If you are expecting something inspirational or something poignant, you are in for a disappointment. When I saw this from the outside, I thought I must be missing something greater on the inside. Boy, was I wrong. After walking inside, you get a WTH? moment. This is nuts. It's just a bare concrete wall. The tour guide explained that Jackie Kennedy wanted something ugly in Dallas to remind folks of the ugly thing that happened to him there. I kind of get it- Jackie was devastated, but I think if it were up to me, I would want something nice to remind the nation of what kind of man JFK was. C'mon, Jackie- it wasn't Dallas' fault.
It would be as if Mary Lincoln wanted some garish monstrosity built in Washington DC to remind visitors of the terrible thing that happened to her husband there. We didn't get that. We got the iconic Lincoln Memorial, which has been the backdrop of historic speeches, movies, is visited by millions and millions every year and is even on currency and coins of the US. One thing I can say for certain, the JFK Memorial in Dallas will never be featured on any US currency or coins. It is atrocious. You won't need to waste your time walking to see this because many tours begin here, but if you are not taking a tour, don't bother walking over to see this. You will be disappointed at the missed opportunity to build something nice to honor the memory of JFK.
It would be as if Mary Lincoln wanted some garish monstrosity built in Washington DC to remind visitors of the terrible thing that happened to her husband there. We didn't get that. We got the iconic Lincoln Memorial, which has been the backdrop of historic speeches, movies, is visited by millions and millions every year and is even on currency and coins of the US. One thing I can say for certain, the JFK Memorial in Dallas will never be featured on any US currency or coins. It is atrocious. You won't need to waste your time walking to see this because many tours begin here, but if you are not taking a tour, don't bother walking over to see this. You will be disappointed at the missed opportunity to build something nice to honor the memory of JFK.
Written April 13, 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.
Lentara71
Houston, TX140 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A must-see for a trip to Dallas, TX.
The memorial signifies what the President stood for. It is shaped to block out the outside sounds and is quiet inside.
We came during the day and it was a great pensive experience.
The memorial signifies what the President stood for. It is shaped to block out the outside sounds and is quiet inside.
We came during the day and it was a great pensive experience.
Written September 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.
Jason E
Roanoke, VA5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Met up with Arthur Johnson, very informative, giving multiple perspectives on the events from that fateful day. He is entertaining and patient with questions from the most inquisitive 13 year old. You do of course compensate his time, but it is very reasonable. Museum was closed, but this was a great walking tour taking about an hour.
Written August 18, 2020
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.
Jeramie
Marion, IL1,415 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This memorial was disappointing at best. It was designed as a tribute to an American president that met his fate on a nearby street but it lacked depth. There is not a statue or a bust…it’s simply four walls that need cleaned or painted.
Written June 2, 2021
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.
NSouth
Gretna, LA641 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
I hate seeing negative reviews about this memorial. Mrs Jackie wanted it built to reflect how she felt the day her husband was killed. She felt empty, ugly, and hollow inside. This memorial was built to represent her feelings of her husband’s death.
Written September 6, 2020
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.
Reviews_by_Lee
Austin, TX116 contributions
Jul 2021
not much to say as it is just a bunch of concrete columns with a black square in the middle. Nothing to really see. Certainly wasn't worth the 20 minute walk thru the "interesting" downtown streets with the homeless people to see it.
Written July 28, 2021
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.
Your accurate comments were about Dealey Plaza not the JFK Memorial Plaza a block away. It is misleading to comment on the wrong thing. Please fix your post. Did you see the place you commented on because your comments about it would be welcome.
Written November 23, 2015
Yep I went to the JFK Memorial Plaza while waiting for my tour bus to arrive. If you know the area so well then you know the tour company. To my family and myself the JFK Memorial seamed unfinished. And as you stated it is only a block away from Dealy Plaza and it is listed on the JFK tour package. Thank you for pointing out the error. But at this time I am unable to correct the posting.
Written November 25, 2015
I'm looking for a hotel somewhere between Bush Center and JFK Memorial Plaza. I'd like to keep the cost to around $130 or less. Something like Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Drury, etc. Where is the best place to stay to see these 2 attractions. We will have a car but really don't want to do a lot of driving in congested areas.
Written September 3, 2015
Holiday Inn Express. That is where we stayed.
Written September 9, 2015
I. Is there a self-service laundry facility?
Written December 30, 2014
I honestly don't know where the nearest one will be, but considering the size of this city, you'll be able to find one.
Written December 31, 2014
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