Visit the Kennedy Institute

Hours & Admission

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute is open for pre-scheduled guided tours and programs, Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
The Institute is closed on federal holidays.
Please schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance using this visit request form

Ticket Prices:

Adults: $20
College students with ID: $15
Seniors or Veterans: $10
Children/Youth 6 – 17: $10
Young Children ages 5 & under: FREE
Active Military Members: FREE
Kennedy Institute Members: FREE (Learn more about Membership here)

If you are interested in scheduling an educational program for students, visit our Civic Education page for more information.

If you’d like to join us for a Public Program on topics related to American democracy and the unique role of the U.S. Senate and its mission, visit our Special Events page for information on upcoming programs.

Bag Policy

All backpacks and bags brought into the building will need to be checked by an Institute security officer. Free coat check is available to Institute guests and visitors. The Institute is not responsible for items left at coat check.

Lost and Found

The Institute’s Lost and Found is at the Coat Check area. You may also call the Lost and Found desk with any questions via the Institute’s main number, 617.740.7000.

Accessibility

The Kennedy Institute is wheelchair accessible.

Manual wheelchairs are available at the Institute’s Admissions Desk for visitors to borrow for free on a first come, first served basis.

Exhibit and program videos are open-captioned.

Audio enhancement devices are available for use during speaker programs.

Directions & Parking

By Public Transportation

On the MBTA, take the Red Line to JFK/UMass station and take Bus #1, a free UMass Boston shuttle bus, to the Kennedy/Archives stop which will drop off at the stop sign across from the Institute.

Please check the UMass Boston website for updated shuttle bus information

Driving

As the destination address please use this Google Maps link. Follow the directional signage on the UMass Boston campus.

From the North:

Take Route I-93 or I-95 South to Boston and onto the Southeast Expressway (Route 3/I-93) to Exit 15. Keep left at the fork; follow signs for South Boston/Castle Island. Turn left onto Columbia Road. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto William J. Day Boulevard. After exiting the traffic circle, take the first immediate right onto Mount Vernon Street. Turn left at the light to stay on Mount Vernon. Follow Mount Vernon to the end. The Institute’s parking lot will be on the right.

From the South:

Take Route 3/I-93 (Southeast Expressway) to Exit 14 for Morrissey Boulevard. Merge onto Morrissey Boulevard and follow past the UMass Boston campus main entrance and Boston College High School. Stay down and to the right to reach Mount Vernon Street. Turn right onto Mount Vernon Street. Follow Mount Vernon to the end. The Institute’s parking lot will be on the right.

From the West:

Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route I-90W) to Exit 24C (Route 3/I-93), southbound to Exit 15. Then follow the “From the North” directions above.

Parking

There is free parking adjacent to the Institute and designated accessible parking spots in the Edward M. Kennedy Institute lot.