Visit John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
#25 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is home to a powerful and contemplative landmark dedicated to the 35th President of the United States: the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. Located one block east of Dealey Plaza, this “place of quiet refuge” was dedicated on June 24, 1970, and serves as a permanent tribute to the joy and excitement of President Kennedy’s life . This is a poignant reminder of a national tragedy, a must-see for any visitor to Dallas.

The memorial was designed by renowned American architect Philip Johnson and was approved by Jacqueline Kennedy. The city of Dallas raised $200,000 for its construction entirely from more than 50,000 private citizen donations .

Key Details at a Glance:

• Location: 646 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202 (one block east of Dealey Plaza) 

• Designer: Philip Johnson 

• Type: Cenotaph (open tomb) 

• Admission: Free

Design & Architecture: A Symbol of Freedom

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza stands as a striking piece of modern architecture. Its design is intended to be a “cenotaph,” or open tomb, which symbolizes the freedom of President Kennedy’s spirit .

The Cenotaph

• Dimensions: The memorial is a square, roofless room, standing 30 feet (9.1 m) high and measuring 50 feet (15 m) by 50 feet (15 m) wide .

• Structure: The walls are composed of 72 white pre-cast concrete columns. Most of these columns seem to float with no visible support about 29 inches (74 cm) above the ground .

• Support: Eight columns extend to the ground to support the structure, each ending in a light fixture .

• Nighttime Effect: At night, the lights create the illusion that the light itself supports the monument .

The Plaza

• Design: The plaza is surrounded by the columns, with narrow openings facing north and south, inviting visitors to enter a space of quiet contemplation .

• Centrepiece: Inside, visitors encounter a low-hewn granite square. The words “John Fitzgerald Kennedy” are carved into it, and the letters are painted gold .

• Interpretation: Philip Johnson called the memorial “a place of quiet refuge, an enclosed place of thought and contemplation separated from the city around, but near the sky and earth” .

Hours & Admission

Access

• Hours: The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is an open-air attraction accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week .

• Admission: Entry is free for all visitors .

Location

• Address: 646 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202 .

• It is located in the Dallas County Historical Plaza, one block east of Dealey Plaza .

Activities for Adults & Children: Reflection and Remembrance

👨‍🖥️ For Adults: History & Quiet Reflection

1. Architectural Appreciation: Take time to study Philip Johnson’s design and reflect on the symbolism of the memorial’s open tomb, representing the freedom of Kennedy’s spirit .

2. Visit the Plaque: A granite memorial marker near the site explains the memorial’s purpose and the city’s response to the assassination. It reads, in part: “It is not a memorial to the pain and sorrow of death, but stands as a permanent tribute to the joy and excitement of one man’s life. John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s life.” 

3. Combine with the Sixth Floor Museum: The Kennedy Memorial is a key part of the JFK story. Visiting the nearby Sixth Floor Museum before or after your visit provides essential historical context .

4. Visit at Night: A visit after dark offers a different experience. The light fixtures at the base of the columns create the illusion that the memorial is floating .

👧 For Children & Families: An Accessible History Lesson

1. Open Space: The plaza is an open, quiet space where children can walk and explore.

2. An Outdoor Lesson: It provides a tangible location for a history lesson about President Kennedy, the 1960s, and the concept of national remembrance.

3. A Brief Stop: This is a short, focused stop. For families, it is best combined with a visit to Dealey Plaza and the nearby museums.

Parking & Getting Here

🚗 Driving & Parking

The memorial is located in downtown Dallas. There is no official parking lot for the plaza itself . However, several paid parking lots and garages are nearby.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to find convenient street parking or use a rideshare service to avoid the hassle.

🚆 Public Transportation

• DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit): The closest station is West End Station (a short walk from the memorial), which connects to all DART lines . Union Station, which connects to the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) to Fort Worth, is also nearby .

Address for GPS: 646 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202 .

Accessibility

• Wheelchair Access: The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and designated parking spaces available for visitors with disabilities .

• Service Animals: Welcome.

• Restrooms: There are no restrooms on-site, but facilities are available at nearby restaurants and museums .

Tips for Your Visit

1. Plan a Short Stop: This is a reflective and contemplative site, not a full-day attraction. Plan to spend 15–20 minutes here .

2. Combine with Dealey Plaza: The memorial is located just one block east of Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination. Visiting both provides a full historical experience .

3. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum: For a deeper understanding, plan to visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (located at 411 Elm St.), which provides a detailed account of President Kennedy’s life, legacy, and the events of November 22, 1963 .

4. Dress for the Weather: The memorial is outdoors with no cover. Bring sun protection during the day and a jacket for cooler evenings.

5. Respect the Space: The memorial is a place of remembrance. Please be respectful of other visitors who may be reflecting or mourning.

6. Consider a Guided Tour: The plaza is often included in Dallas sightseeing tours, especially those focusing on JFK history .

Stay Connected:

For more information, follow the official resources of The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which maintains the memorial and offers extensive historical context.

• Official Website: https://www.jfk.org/john-f-kennedy-memorial-plaza/

• Facebook: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

• Instagram: @sixthfloormuseum

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!

646, Main Street, West End Historic District, Downtown PID, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, 75202, Statele Unite ale Americii

This attraction is part of free things to do in Dallas