I have always been a museum nerd. I guess it stems from my childhood and my Dad always taking us to museums, even when we were small, energetic children. And even though then, I may have not admitted out loud then, that I loved going to museums everywhere we traveled, I did. To this day I still enjoy visiting museums, seeing all the long lost artifacts, learning all the random facts that make up the history of this world, and meeting people from around the world.
When we went to Dallas last summer, Eric had just started reading the Stephen King novel, 11/22/63 and so The Sixth Floor Museum was one of the things at the top of our attraction list. I had been years and years ago, but probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have, so it is was good to go back.
The Sixth Floor Museum is located on the sixth and seventh floors of the Texas School Book Depository. The museum features films, photographs and artifacts (including original books found in the depository that day, police reports, cameras from reporters and bystanders, official documents, etc.) that chronicle President Kennedy’s life, death and legacy, as well as, special temporary exhibits.
While you can walk through at your own pace, I highly recommend listening along with the audio guide. The audio guide is included in the admission price and not only features thorough explanations of the exhibit’s artifacts and photos, it has excerpts of original radio broadcasts and the voices and accounts of reporters, police officers and eye witnesses.
While the bulk of the museum is about JFK’s assassination, I am happy they feature information about his life and presidency leading up to that day. The museum also highlights the legacy President Kennedy left behind.
Unfortunately, no photography is allowed on the sixth floor exhibit. Once you reach the seventh floor, where they have the special exhibits, you can take photos. At the time we visited, there was a photo mosaic exhibit, with photos of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy
(pictured) composed of approximately 5,500 Dallas Times Herald Collection photographs.
Note: While we thoroughly enjoyed The Sixth Floor Museum, and would highly recommend it if you are in the Dallas area, I don’t recommend it for small children, I suggest middle school and up.
For more information about visiting The Sixth Floor Museum, find additional information below:
Additional Information:
Address: 411 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75202
Phone number: 214.747.6660
Hours: Monday: Noon to 6 p.m. and Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Adult — $16.00 U.S.
Senior (Ages 65+) — $14.00 U.S.
Youth (Ages 6-18) — $13.00 U.S.
Children (Ages 0-5) — Free or
$4.00 U.S. with audio guide
You can also follow The Sixth Floor Museum online here:
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