The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
If you want a unique and memorable experience in Dallas, visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. This museum is dedicated to the life, legacy, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy, one of the most influential and controversial figures in American history. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this museum, from its history and exhibits to its events and tips for visitors.
History
The Museum is located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository. This building played a pivotal role in the assassination of JFK on November 22, 1963. From this floor, Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots that killed the president as he rode in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza. The building was later purchased by Dallas County and turned into a museum in 1989 after years of debate and controversy.
The museum preserves the original layout and appearance of the sixth floor as it was on the day of the assassination, with a reconstructed sniper’s perch, boxes of books, and historical photographs. It also features a glass-enclosed corner where visitors can look out at the plaza and see the exact spot where JFK was shot.
What can you find there?
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the assassination and its aftermath, as well as the life and legacy of JFK. It features over 400 artifacts, including original films, photographs, documents, eyewitness accounts, and interactive displays. Some of the highlights include:
- The Zapruder film, the most famous footage of the assassination, captured the fatal shot to JFK’s head.
- The rifle, bullet fragments, and other evidence that were found on the sixth floor.
- The clothing worn by JFK and his wife Jackie on that day.
- The original police radio that broadcasted the news of the shooting.
- The oral histories of more than 1,600 people who witnessed or were involved in the assassination or its aftermath.
- A timeline of JFK’s presidency that highlights his achievements and challenges in domestic and foreign affairs.
- The legacy gallery that showcases how JFK’s vision and ideals have influenced culture, politics, and society.
What can you learn?
The museum is not only a place to see artifacts and exhibits, but it’s also a place to learn and reflect. The museum aims to provide an objective and balanced perspective on the assassination and its impact, as well as to inspire visitors to think critically about history and civic responsibility. Some of the questions that the museum invites visitors to consider are:
- Who was JFK, and what did he stand for?
- What were the motives and methods of his assassin(s)?
- How did the assassination affect the nation and the world?
- How did the media cover the event and shape public opinion?
- How did conspiracy theories emerge and evolve?
- How did JFK’s death influence subsequent presidents and policies?
- How can we honor JFK’s legacy today?
Events
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza also hosts various events throughout the year, such as lectures, films, panel discussions, book signings, and special exhibitions. These events offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about different aspects of JFK’s life and legacy, as well as to engage with experts and other guests. Some of the upcoming events include:
- A screening of “JFK: The Final Hours,” a documentary that retraces JFK’s last day in Texas.
- A lecture by David Rubenstein, the co-founder of The Carlyle Group and a philanthropist who donated $10 million to the museum in 2013.
- A panel discussion on “The Kennedy Legacy: 60 Years Later” featuring historians, journalists, and former White House staff.
- A special exhibition on “The President’s Photographer: 50 Years Inside the Oval Office” featuring photographs of 10 presidents from JFK to Obama.
Tips for visitors
If you are planning to visit the museum, here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable:
Are there any rules?
Yes, there are some rules that visitors need to follow:
- No photography or videography is allowed inside the museum.
- No food or drinks are allowed inside the museum.
- No backpacks or large bags are allowed inside the museum. You can store them in lockers at the entrance for a small fee.
- No weapons or firearms are allowed inside or outside the museum.
When is the best time to visit?
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The last admission is at 5:15 p.m. The museum is usually less crowded on weekdays than on weekends. You can buy tickets online or at the box office. The admission fee is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors (65+), $14 for youths (6-18), and free for children (5 and under).
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, the museum is suitable for families with children, although some content may be disturbing or upsetting for younger or sensitive viewers. The museum offers audio guides in several languages, including a family-friendly version that explains the exhibits simply and engagingly. The museum also has a learning center where children can participate in hands-on activities and games related to JFK and his era.
Ready for your trip?
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a fascinating and educational attraction that you should not miss when you are in Dallas. It will give you a deeper understanding of one of the most tragic and significant events in American history, as well as its lasting influence on our world today.
To learn more about the museum or book tickets online, visit their website at www.jfk.org. You can also follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on their latest news and events.
A Trip Through Dallas’s Many Treasures: From the Dallas Arboretum to Estates of Hidden Creek
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8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States
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- Head northeast on Garland Rd (13 ft)
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Dallas, TX 75202, United States
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The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
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1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
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1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
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2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
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- Turn left onto N Stemmons Fwy/N Stemmons Service Rd W (0.3 mi)
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Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
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- Turn right onto Butcher Rd (1.6 mi)
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