John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
4
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This simple monument to the slain president was built on a plaza adjacent to the Texas School Book Depository building.
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Neighbourhood: Downtown Dallas
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- Lentara71Houston, Texas140 contributionsThis is a great memorial to remember the President and self reflect the things he stood for.A must-see for a trip to Dallas, TX. The memorial signifies what the President stood for. It is shaped to block out the outside sounds and is quiet inside. We came during the day and it was a great pensive experience.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 September 2023
- Ace5150Nuneaton, United Kingdom112 contributionsInteresting memorialAn interesting if not unremarkable monument to assassinated President Kennedy. It probably symbolises something, but the design is lost on me. Over the years, exhaust fumes from vehicles have stained the once bright white concrete, now it looks a tired beige in parts. Unfortunately, when I visited it, a few homeless people were gathering. They weren't intimidating or threatening, but certainly unwelcome. It's a monument that appears to be unfinished, don't ask me why.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 2 January 2024
- Celine DUnited States7 contributionsKennedy’s life and legacyThe John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas carries a quiet, haunting presence. When you step into the open-air monument, there’s an overwhelming sense of stillness, as if time pauses for reflection. Designed by Philip Johnson, its simple, almost stark concrete walls form a square enclosure, leaving the sky open above, which gives the feeling of both isolation and connection. Standing there, you can’t help but think about the profound impact of Kennedy’s life and legacy. The design, minimal yet thoughtful, leaves room for personal emotions to rise, offering a peaceful space to honor his memory without distraction. Being so close to Dealey Plaza adds to its emotional weight—it’s a place of remembrance that feels both personal and deeply tied to a pivotal moment in history.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
999 reviews
Excellent
359
Very good
308
Average
236
Poor
60
Terrible
36
Jeramie
Marion, IL1,339 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This memorial was disappointing at best. It was designed as a tribute to an American president that met his fate on a nearby street but it lacked depth. There is not a statue or a bust…it’s simply four walls that need cleaned or painted.
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lamarbradley
Nashville, TN1,258 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
If you are expecting something inspirational or something poignant, you are in for a disappointment. When I saw this from the outside, I thought I must be missing something greater on the inside. Boy, was I wrong. After walking inside, you get a WTH? moment. This is nuts. It's just a bare concrete wall. The tour guide explained that Jackie Kennedy wanted something ugly in Dallas to remind folks of the ugly thing that happened to him there. I kind of get it- Jackie was devastated, but I think if it were up to me, I would want something nice to remind the nation of what kind of man JFK was. C'mon, Jackie- it wasn't Dallas' fault.
It would be as if Mary Lincoln wanted some garish monstrosity built in Washington DC to remind visitors of the terrible thing that happened to her husband there. We didn't get that. We got the iconic Lincoln Memorial, which has been the backdrop of historic speeches, movies, is visited by millions and millions every year and is even on currency and coins of the US. One thing I can say for certain, the JFK Memorial in Dallas will never be featured on any US currency or coins. It is atrocious. You won't need to waste your time walking to see this because many tours begin here, but if you are not taking a tour, don't bother walking over to see this. You will be disappointed at the missed opportunity to build something nice to honor the memory of JFK.
It would be as if Mary Lincoln wanted some garish monstrosity built in Washington DC to remind visitors of the terrible thing that happened to her husband there. We didn't get that. We got the iconic Lincoln Memorial, which has been the backdrop of historic speeches, movies, is visited by millions and millions every year and is even on currency and coins of the US. One thing I can say for certain, the JFK Memorial in Dallas will never be featured on any US currency or coins. It is atrocious. You won't need to waste your time walking to see this because many tours begin here, but if you are not taking a tour, don't bother walking over to see this. You will be disappointed at the missed opportunity to build something nice to honor the memory of JFK.
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celine D
United States7 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas carries a quiet, haunting presence. When you step into the open-air monument, there’s an overwhelming sense of stillness, as if time pauses for reflection. Designed by Philip Johnson, its simple, almost stark concrete walls form a square enclosure, leaving the sky open above, which gives the feeling of both isolation and connection. Standing there, you can’t help but think about the profound impact of Kennedy’s life and legacy. The design, minimal yet thoughtful, leaves room for personal emotions to rise, offering a peaceful space to honor his memory without distraction. Being so close to Dealey Plaza adds to its emotional weight—it’s a place of remembrance that feels both personal and deeply tied to a pivotal moment in history.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lentara71
Houston, TX140 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A must-see for a trip to Dallas, TX.
The memorial signifies what the President stood for. It is shaped to block out the outside sounds and is quiet inside.
We came during the day and it was a great pensive experience.
The memorial signifies what the President stood for. It is shaped to block out the outside sounds and is quiet inside.
We came during the day and it was a great pensive experience.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews_by_Lee
Austin, TX117 contributions
Jul 2021
not much to say as it is just a bunch of concrete columns with a black square in the middle. Nothing to really see. Certainly wasn't worth the 20 minute walk thru the "interesting" downtown streets with the homeless people to see it.
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
craig1086
Atlanta, GA1,872 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
Came here expecting more. For such a legacy of JFK, I expected something more elaborate. But once you go inside, it gets noticeably quiet. Definitely a somber place, but a simple memorial. A sign of the times back then I guess, so maybe it's fitting.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica S
Colorado Springs, CO7 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The tour was divided up perfectly in sections. We didn’t walk far but we didn’t even notice as Preston’s information was spellbinding. Also, when people had to pee urgently at the break, he dropped us off, and met everyone at the bathrooms with codes. It’s just so nice when the expectations meet reality. Thank you for an exceptional half day.
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZuniCody
Springfield, VA55 contributions
Dec 2021
This "memorial" is bizarre. A concrete box with a marble pedestal inside and nothing on it.
I visited with a friend from Dallas. When he told me about it I thought he was joking. This pathetic thing kind of made me sad, for JFK's legacy and for Dallas. Maybe that was the point.
I visited with a friend from Dallas. When he told me about it I thought he was joking. This pathetic thing kind of made me sad, for JFK's legacy and for Dallas. Maybe that was the point.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ace5150
Nuneaton, UK112 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
An interesting if not unremarkable monument to assassinated President Kennedy.
It probably symbolises something, but the design is lost on me.
Over the years, exhaust fumes from vehicles have stained the once bright white concrete, now it looks a tired beige in parts.
Unfortunately, when I visited it, a few homeless people were gathering. They weren't intimidating or threatening, but certainly unwelcome.
It's a monument that appears to be unfinished, don't ask me why.
It probably symbolises something, but the design is lost on me.
Over the years, exhaust fumes from vehicles have stained the once bright white concrete, now it looks a tired beige in parts.
Unfortunately, when I visited it, a few homeless people were gathering. They weren't intimidating or threatening, but certainly unwelcome.
It's a monument that appears to be unfinished, don't ask me why.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tisha Y
Oakland City, IN146 contributions
Apr 2021
There were some things about this memorial that I liked and some that I didn't. The grounds are very average.. People were selling their books at tables inside the actual memorial Just sort of messy and unorganized. That was a turn off for me. The water effects around it are very nice and well maintained. The highlight for me was standing in between where he was shot and the upper window in the repository. My husband and I really got a feel for how it may have happened that day in 1963. I think there should be a little more information or Portraits of JKF and Jackie to remind us who they were. I am really glad I went. Overall it is a beautiful place and I hope people will always treat it with respect.
Written 1 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your accurate comments were about Dealey Plaza not the JFK Memorial Plaza a block away. It is misleading to comment on the wrong thing. Please fix your post. Did you see the place you commented on because your comments about it would be welcome.
Written 23 November 2015
Yep I went to the JFK Memorial Plaza while waiting for my tour bus to arrive. If you know the area so well then you know the tour company. To my family and myself the JFK Memorial seamed unfinished. And as you stated it is only a block away from Dealy Plaza and it is listed on the JFK tour package. Thank you for pointing out the error. But at this time I am unable to correct the posting.
Written 25 November 2015
I'm looking for a hotel somewhere between Bush Center and JFK Memorial Plaza. I'd like to keep the cost to around $130 or less. Something like Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Drury, etc. Where is the best place to stay to see these 2 attractions. We will have a car but really don't want to do a lot of driving in congested areas.
Written 3 September 2015
Holiday Inn Express. That is where we stayed.
Written 9 September 2015
I. Is there a self-service laundry facility?
Written 30 December 2014
I honestly don't know where the nearest one will be, but considering the size of this city, you'll be able to find one.
Written 31 December 2014
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