We are delighted to welcome you to the Museum! The well-being of our guests, staff, and visitors is our top priority, and we have adjusted our visitor experience to meet current health and safety guidelines.
The JFK Library will continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic through local, state, and federal health departments as it determines when to open to the public full time. Follow us on social media or check back here for the latest updates about Museum hours and ticket availability.
How to Visit
Hours
The Museum is open 7 days a week. Regular admission will end at 3:30 p.m. to give visitors enough time to experience the Museum fully. Exhibits will close promptly at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets may be purchased on site or in advance online. Cancellations will receive a full refund within a few business days.
On-Site Services
The JFK Café is open 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Archives’ main research room is open for textual and photographic research on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Learn more.
The Museum offers free parking. See more on how to get here.
The Museum is wheelchair accessible and all videos shown throughout the Museum are open-captioned. See more on Museum accessibility.
Group Visits
Group rates are available for groups of 12 or more. Please email kennedy.groupvisits@nara.gov. See more on Group Visits.
Security and Safety
Does the Library have a bag check?
Due to security concerns, the Kennedy Library only allows one purse or diaper bag, and it cannot be larger than 17 × 26 inches (43 × 66 centimeters) in size and will be searched by Security Officers upon entry. Additionally, any suitcases and backpacks are not permitted and should be stored in your vehicle or left at your hotel.
Does the Library have a coat room?
Yes. There is a self-service coat room located next to the public bathrooms on the lobby level.
Ask a Visitor Services representative at the Information Desk for assistance locating the coat room. The coat room is for coats and jackets only, and is not monitored.
Does the Library allow weapons?
Firearms and other dangerous weapons are prohibited in the building.
It is a violation of federal law and punishable by fine and/or imprisonment to knowingly possess, cause, or attempt to introduce them in a federal facility.
For additional information on specific items, please review the “Prohibited Items in Federal Facilities” from the National Archives and Records Administration.
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
If you’re sick or not feeling well
For the safety of all visitors and staff, anyone who is sick or has any sign of a respiratory illness should stay home. Pending space availability, visitors are eligible to reschedule their visit. Please email kennedy.groupvisits@nara.gov to reschedule or call 617.514.1589.
Face coverings
Face coverings are recommended but not required.
Entering the Museum
Please have your ticket(s) available (on your phone or printed) for entry and arrive no more than 10 minutes before the scheduled time on your ticket. We will do our best to honor your scheduled ticket time, however entry will be subject to building capacity. Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed entry into the museum. The museum lobby will not be available for waiting or congregating. Please ensure your entire party is together before entering the building.
Stay six feet apart
Practice social distancing during your visit by staying at least 6 feet from anyone not in your group. Groups of no more than 6 will be able to social distance together. Children must stay with adults at all times. Failure to follow social distancing procedures will result in removal from the Museum.
Enhanced cleaning measures
The Museum is conducting enhanced cleanings of the museum and high-touch areas. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the Museum.
Contact tracing
The Museum may share your name and email address with a governmental health authority should that information be requested for a COVID-19-related reason. If a visitor reports that they were diagnosed with COVID-19 after visiting the Museum near your visit, the Museum will use your contact information to notify you. If you do not want your name or email address used for these purposes, please email us at kennedy.groupvisits@nara.gov. The Museum will not disclose your email address for any other purpose without your permission.
To enhance the safety and wellbeing of our community, we ask that anyone testing positive for (or expressing symptoms of) COVID-19 within 5 days of their visit notify the Museum by email at kennedy.groupvisits@nara.gov. Other visitors will be notified of potential exposure, but the identity of the person testing positive will not be shared.
Safety guidelines
While we have implemented enhanced health and safety measures, we cannot guarantee that any visitor will not contract COVID-19 during their visit. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place at this time. Museum visitors voluntarily assume all risks related to COVID-19 exposure.
Visitors agree to abide by the guidelines on the Museum’s website and by all instructions posted in the Museum or provided by staff during the visit. If a visitor or a member of their party fails to follow the Museum’s guidelines and instructions, they may be denied entry or required to leave the premises.
Each of us plays a role in a successful and safe reopening. Thank you for your patience and commitment to honoring our new safety protocols.
Updated March 21, 2024