John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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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- Phil GHuddersfield, United Kingdom85 contributionsA fitting tribute to a great manHaving 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.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 12, 2024
- MartyParty4Houston, Texas1,970 contributionsBeautiful sitting on the bayTook an Uber on a Sunday morning when the museum opened. It was not crowded. There are 2 movies to watch in the museum which are both really well done. It was interesting to read about JFK’s childhood and his thesis paper which turned into his booked called Profiles in Courage. We enjoyed the museum and spent over 2 hours here. You certainly could spend more time there.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 14, 2024
- 631BarbaraMInwood, West Virginia235 contributionsA definite worthwhile visit in BostonImpressive and well laid out. The videos are especially helpful in understanding certain points in President Kennedy’s administration. The walk way through a White House hallway extends into specific displays all nicely put together. The current WWII exhibit is excellent focusing on historical points but displaying John Kennedy’s naval uniform and his brother Joe’s hat and last letter to his parents. Easily you will spend about 2-3 hours there. Definitely worth a visit.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 16, 2024
- Dawn G25 contributionsDefinitely worth your time!After flying into Boston, we were looking for something to do in the city for a few hours and had never visited a presidential library and museum. It was very informative and emotional. There was so many issues facing our country during his lifetime and I came away with such an appreciation of his dedication, drive, and hopefulness.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 26, 2024
- BhamDan1Maine3 contributionsVideo storytelling at its best!We grew up in the Boston area but had not been here for years, until we visited last week with our adult son. Phenomenal use of video throughout the museum to tell the story of our 35th president. And what a story it is — even if you leave out the events of 11/22/63 which this museum largely and thankfully does. It would be impossible to come away from the evidence presented here with a conclusion that JFK was an intellectual lightweight. We went to the Reagan Library a few years ago, and the facilities are equally impressive.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 29, 2024
- Darin B2 contributionsImportant and interesting historyGreat exhibits and so much history to be taken in. We spent 2-3 hours and could have spent more. Nothing at all on the assassination which was disappointing, but also understandable. The Library was about a 20-minute Uber ride from downtown, and would have taken public transportation if more time had been allowed.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 19, 2024
- swoodrufMuskegon, Michigan1,676 contributionsJFK Presidential Museum Brings Emotional Response to VisitorOur flight was cancelled last Sunday after spending five days there with my granddaughter. We got put on a much later flight, so we decided to go to the JFK Presidential Museum as it was something we wanted to do, but had not had the time yet. The grounds are quite beautiful. It just seemed peaceful. There is a walk near the water where you can see JFK's sailboat and can also see the beautiful skyline of Boston from the other side of the bay. To enter was relatively inexpensive. We first sat and watched the introductory 20 minute film which covered the highlights of his life. I had just finished reading a book about the Kennedy's, and I hadn't realized that JFK had been in tremendous back pain for years after his accident in WWII and a botched surgery. I didn't feel like that was stressed much in the movie. We then went to the exhibits. It is really beautifully done and so reminiscent. I was in upper elementary school when Kennedy ran for president in 1960, and I remember so clearly the Bay of Pigs incident. We watched the video on that as well which was quite enlightening. I was surprised at how emotional I got in the museum. It dredged up a lot of memories for me. I think it is a definite must-see while in Boston.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 5, 2024
- Ole Blue EyesTustin, California232 contributionsAwesomeMy 10 year old son and I visited here one morning and loved it. We found all parts of the museum quite interesting, so many items from the family collection. Nicely arranged museum, we spent 90 minutes here.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 9, 2024
- Teresa GMountain View, California18 contributionsMust seeExcellent museum beautifully curated and amazing in depth tours included with admission. AAA discount given at entrance desk. So many interactive exhibits. Don't miss this museum. The view of the harbor is picturesque. The grounds are expertly designed. An amazing building and incredible education on JFK Jr. And his family. Top notch museum including lots of actual videos and audio from his entire life. I would love to go back.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 16, 2024
- Lois WSheridan, Illinois12 contributionsWorth the visitMy husband and I have visited almost all of the presidential libraries and this one is at the top of the list. While he was only president for three years, his speeches and written words will forever be part of American history. The coverage of the Cuban missile coverage was well covered and explained it in detail.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
4.5
4,070 reviews
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tcasLondon
london152 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I have wanted to visit this library/ museum for a long time , I finally got to visit on 30/Jan / 2020 .
I travelled from my hotel near Copley Place , took about 20 minutes.
The library is a stunning building in a beautiful location, the $14 entry fee was very reasonable, as stated by other reviews due to the president’s short term in office the library is smaller compared to others but that does not take anything away from what’s inside plus the president’s achievements and impact on the US and the world.
Lots of fascinating exhibits and and items on display my favourite was the Cuban missile crisis exhibit/ video presentation.
I spent 2 hours and found it very informative and enjoyable.
There is free WiFi a cafe and a gift shop .
I recommend this as a must place to visit when you visit Boston
I travelled from my hotel near Copley Place , took about 20 minutes.
The library is a stunning building in a beautiful location, the $14 entry fee was very reasonable, as stated by other reviews due to the president’s short term in office the library is smaller compared to others but that does not take anything away from what’s inside plus the president’s achievements and impact on the US and the world.
Lots of fascinating exhibits and and items on display my favourite was the Cuban missile crisis exhibit/ video presentation.
I spent 2 hours and found it very informative and enjoyable.
There is free WiFi a cafe and a gift shop .
I recommend this as a must place to visit when you visit Boston
Written January 31, 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.
Jake B
Charlottesville, VA54 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Outstanding tribute to the 35th. president of the United States. Strategically located overlooking Dorchester Bay, the weather was cold but the bay was enhanced by Common Eider ducks hunting for crabs, directly by the library itself. The J.F.K. Library was only the second presidential library I had visited. Firstly, immerse yourself in a 25 minute film of his life, from his birth in Brookline to his 1960 nomination for the Democratic presidency of the United States. Galleries portray pivotal roles in the life of J.F.K.s life such as his role in the navy during World War Two. Fascinating exploits of his role as skipper in PT-109 which as rammed by a Japanese destroyer. See the coconut he wrote 'Alive' when he was thrown into the Pacific. Numerous artifacts bring his story to life from politics and his romance and marriage to Jackie. Enjoy the many gifts given to J.F.K. and his wife from statemen and dignitaries from around the globe. The assassination is thankfully downplayed and the galleries end with memorials to the 35th. president, notably
with one at Runnymead in the U.K..
Small expensive cafe completes your visit,
plus a well stocked gift shop. Intriguing and informative library which could easily take 2 to 3 hours to visit. Well worth your
time and price of admission.
with one at Runnymead in the U.K..
Small expensive cafe completes your visit,
plus a well stocked gift shop. Intriguing and informative library which could easily take 2 to 3 hours to visit. Well worth your
time and price of admission.
Written May 16, 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.
Lacey S
Cleveland, GA50 contributions
Dec 2019
The museum is definitely worth a visit and is a short drive from downtown Boston. We took an Uber, but there is free parking. A free coat check is also available - go left when you enter, past the gift shop. Purchase tickets to the right of the entrance.
The many exhibits contain writings, objects, recordings, and video clips from the Kennedy family. The Oval Office, RFK's office, and the White House hallway are all recreated, bringing the period to life. My husband and I are both lovers of history and spent over two hours in the museum.
The many exhibits contain writings, objects, recordings, and video clips from the Kennedy family. The Oval Office, RFK's office, and the White House hallway are all recreated, bringing the period to life. My husband and I are both lovers of history and spent over two hours in the museum.
Written January 3, 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.
jeannie410
Orlando, FL20 contributions
Jul 2021
Just recently reopened. This is a fascinating museum, especially for anyone who is a Kennedy fan and remembers that era, as well as those interested in history and politics. The harbor views behind the library are also worth seeing. Right now, they are only allowing a limited number of people through timed entry tickets, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.
Written August 12, 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.
Mike D
11 contributions
Jul 2022
Interesting and appropriate for our times. i know the presidential libraries will be the best presentation of the President but would prefer a more honest look at the good, bad and ugly. We were just getting to the point where we don't have to worship these great men but can appreciate their accomplishments with their faults. Price drops from $18 to $5 at 2:45. I would recommend checking the time of the last movie (3:15 now) and going at 2:45, visiting for 30 minutes, catch the movie and visit more for 30 minutes until it closes at 4PM. it is a 1.2 mile walk from the T so factor that in. Would have gotten a 5 if the person at the desk was a little friendlier.
Written July 12, 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.
katethax
Saint Louis, MO104 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
First off, I’ll warn you to get tickets ASAP if you plan on going because they are limited right now due to COVID and go fast, especially when large tour groups buy in bulk. However, my aunt called frequently to check if tickets had become available and the staff eventually called her to say that they had some become available! They were great and went out of their way to help us get in when we would be in town. I can’t speak highly enough of them. Secondly, it is not terribly easy to get to if you don’t have a car in the city. You have to take the Red line train from downtown and then get on a shuttle bus. It really isn’t walkable from the train. It wasn’t too hard for us, but I can see where it might get confusing for someone who isn’t used to navigating public transit. The museum itself was very informative and interesting. I learned a lot and really enjoyed looking at the artifacts. The interactive exhibits and videos aren’t all up and running yet due to COVID, but it was still interesting. It took us about 2 hours to go through the whole museum and watch the video at the beginning.
Written September 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.
Lindsay S
2 contributions
Nov 2019
I am not a huge fan of history, nor am I American, but I had a really wonderful time at the museum. Not only is it in a beautiful part of the city, it is a very well done museum that gives you an intimate glimpse into the life of the Kennedy's and also the tumultuous nature of the times in American History. Great way to spend the afternoon.
Written January 8, 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.
kukla919
Bedford Hills, NY44 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The films, photographs, recordings and items were beautifully and respectfully presented. Without a time warning for closure, 2 to three staff came up behind us at 3:45 yelling “please walk to the exit-the museum is closing.” I thought closing was 5 but even at 4…give me a break! At 3:50 I had to squeeze through partially opened gate to browse the gift shop only to be yelled at as soon as I got there. Yuck
Written July 8, 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.
Nick4u
Madison, CT87 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This was a last minute decision. We decided to stop in on our way home to CT. The museum is easy to find but not in the center of town. From the first movie to the very end I was brought back in time. Listening to President Kennedy made me wish for another statesman like him. When he spoke he was all inclusive. He had a remarkable way of asking the nation to help him succeed. The rooms in the museum were representative of the period and you saw many items that have long since past. It was a remarkable tour and when it was over you were deposited into a soaring open space that looked over the Boston Harbor and created an atmosphere of reflection. This inspired me as did the World War 2 monument in Washington DC.
I highly recommend the JFK museum and Library.
I highly recommend the JFK museum and Library.
Written March 3, 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.
orangefri
San Francisco, CA27 contributions
Sep 2019
The JFK Presidential Museum & Library was wonderful. It had many great exhibits including one regarding the Peace Corps, which I feel was his greatest legacy. I loved seeing the exhibit on the PT109, as they had the artifacts including his medals and the coconut that he wrote on to the natives who rescued them.
Written January 2, 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.
Best hotels within walking distance to the jfk library
Written December 27, 2024
Yes, free parking is available.
Written December 28, 2024
Sorry, I cannot answer that question with any truth as I did not have luggage with me during my visit.
Written June 9, 2024
Is there a restaurant at the Museum and Library? We would like to visit on Friday, July 29.
Written July 27, 2022
Sorry, but I do not think so. I cannot remeber having seen one.
The university is close by, may be ther you can eat.
The place is a little bit off track, but worth visiting :-)
Written July 12, 2023
How much time should I give myself to tour this museum?
Written July 4, 2021
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