Visit the Kennedy Institute
Hours and Admission (beginning June 23):
Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Last admission at 4:00 PM
Daily guided tours at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (free with admission)
Open on Sundays in July and August. We will be offering a variety of weekend family activities this summer. View the full schedule of activities.
The Institute is closed on the following holidays:
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years’ Day
The Institute will close at 1pm on the following days:
Day before Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve
The Institute is closed on the following dates for private events:
Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19
Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2
Prices:
Adults ages 19-62: $20
College students with ID: $15
Seniors ages 63+ and Veterans: $10
Children/Youth 6 – 18: $10
Young Children ages 5 & under: FREE
Kennedy Institute Members: FREE (Learn more about Membership here)
Discounted and Free Admission
(Tickets must be purchased in-person)
Active Military Members: FREE
Card to Culture: Massachusetts EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission for up to 4 people
Blue Star Families: Free admission to active duty military personnel and their families, May 16th through September 7th
Wonderfund: Wonderfund Access Card holders receive free admission for 2 adults and 4 children
JFK Library ticket holders: JFK visitors receive $4 off admission with proof of same-day admission purchase
Boston Family Days: On the first and second Sunday of each month, all students who live in Boston (grades K-12 and Boston Pre-K) and two guests receive free admission. More information can be found here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/boston-family-days
Group Visits:
Please schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance using this visit request form.
If you are interested in scheduling an educational program for students, visit our Civic Education page for more information.
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.
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.
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 Events page for information on upcoming programs.
Questions?
Contact us with any questions via the Institute’s main number, 617.740.7000.
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, including designated accessible parking spots, in the Edward M. Kennedy Institute lot. It is located around the corner from the main entrance along North University Drive.
