John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
An I. M. Pei–designed white geometric building on a headland, with exhibits on John F. Kennedy’s life, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the history of the Moon landing program.
Located on Columbia Point in Dorchester, the library opened in 1979 and was designed by I. M. Pei. Its white concrete volumes and 38-meter-tall glass atrium face the harbor, and an enormous American flag hangs inside. The exhibits follow a timeline covering Kennedy’s campaign, his presidency, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program and the history that followed his assassination, with rich film footage. Adult admission is about $18, including a Chinese-language audio guide. Take the Red Line to JFK/UMass station and transfer to a free shuttle bus. Next door are the Massachusetts Archives and the Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- New England Aquarium
- Old State House
- Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall
- Freedom Trail
- Boston Common / Public Garden / Beacon Hill
- Massachusetts State House