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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125 · Boston, MA

Why you should go…

Perched on Columbia Point overlooking Dorchester Bay, this I.M. Pei-designed landmark holds the definitive record of America's 35th president. Galleries recreate the 1960 campaign trail, the Oval Office, and the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis through film footage, family photographs, and Jacqueline Kennedy's personal effects. The visit ends in a soaring glass pavilion framing open water, and in summer JFK's beloved sailboat Victura sits on the lawn outside. Open daily, with free parking on site.

  • #jfk
  • #presidential
  • #history
  • #waterfront
  • #columbia point

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston (ICA)

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    2.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
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    Boston Children's Museum

    Under $25

    Three floors of hands-on play in a Fort Point warehouse, climb the three-story maze, blow giant bubbles, and step inside a real Kyoto silk merchant's house.

    2.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

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    Board a full-scale tea ship, hurl tea into the harbor, and relive the night that sparked a revolution.

    2.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

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    Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

    $50+

    Sail Boston Harbor aboard a traditional tall ship, hoisting sail alongside the crew.

    2.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
    Family favorite

    Franklin Park Zoo

    $25–$50

    Zoo New England's 72-acre flagship in Olmsted's Franklin Park, gorillas, lions, and giraffes just a few miles from downtown Boston.

    2.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

    $25–$50

    One of the world's great art museums, Monet, Sargent, ancient Egypt and 500,000 works under one roof.

    3.5 mi awayMore like this