Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Senator Kennedy’s Life Science Legacy

Senator Kennedy had a deep commitment to the life sciences and medical research. As part of this legacy, the EMK Institute and the Biotechnology Industry Organization have established the Edward M. Kennedy Biomedical Fund. Watch our video celebrating that legacy.

Kennedy Cape House gifted to EMK Institute

In keeping with the wishes of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his widow Victoria R. Kennedy, the Kennedy family's property in Hyannis Port was given to the EMK Institute to be preserved for charitable use.

Take a look at the newest renderings

Check out the newest concepts for the interior of the Institute, and explore the newest renderings of the Institute's exhibition components.

View Live Video of Construction

The Institute is coming to life — construction on the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is progressing significantly. Watch live streaming video of the construction site now.

EMK Institute Video

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will provide in-depth educational programs and exhibits for students, educators and the general public. Our goal is to provide each visitor, each class, each teacher, each life-long learner with an insight into the workings of our government that they cannot get anywhere else.

Featured Update

Edward M. Kennedy Institute Statement On Passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg

The following statement was released today by President of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute Board of Directors, Vicki Kennedy, on the passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ):

United States Senator Profile: Henry Clay of Kentucky

A immensely talented politician with a deep respect for his Congressional colleagues, Henry Clay forged important solutions to the thorny political issues of his time, earning the nickname "The Great Compromiser."

Read Henry Clay's profile here.

Educational programs

The Institute's primary audience will consist of middle and high school groups and their teachers, college/university students and faculty, new senators and government officials, as well as casual visitors and life-long learners. In particular, University of Massachusetts faculty and students will make regular use of the Institute.

More about the programs

Our innovative building

The Institute is being designed by world-renowned architect, Rafael Viñoly. As principal of Rafael Viñoly Architects, he has completed many critically and publicly praised buildings around the world including the Tokyo International Forum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Abu Dhabi Campus for New York University.

More about the building

“The Senate is surely one of the most important bodies in the free world. Each year its decisions affect the hopes and lives of men and women in every part of the globe...”

- Senator Edward M. Kennedy