The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is a nonprofit civic-education museum on Columbia Point in Dorchester, standing beside the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library on the University of Massachusetts Boston campus. Named for the late Senator Ted Kennedy, the institute is dedicated to teaching visitors how the U.S. Senate works and to encouraging participation in democracy. Its striking modern building was designed by architect Rafael Vinoly.
The centerpiece is a full-scale representation of the United States Senate Chamber, where visitors and student groups take on the roles of senators in interactive, role-playing simulations of debate and legislation. Additional exhibits explore Kennedy’s career, the history of the Senate, and the workings of American government. Its Columbia Point setting makes it a natural pairing with the adjacent JFK Library and the nearby Commonwealth Museum. Check the official site for current hours, admission and program details, as these change.
Good to know
- Civic-education museum centered on a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber
- Features interactive Senate role-play simulations popular with students and groups
- Designed by architect Rafael Vinoly; located beside the JFK Presidential Library
- Sits on Columbia Point near the JFK Library and Commonwealth Museum — easy to combine
Getting there
- Address: 210 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125
- Neighborhood: Dorchester (Columbia Point)
- Nearest T: JFK/UMass (MBTA Red Line), then the free UMass Boston shuttle (Bus #1) to the Kennedy/Archives stop