John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

The JFK Memorial Plaza is a striking and solemn structure. I was surprised to find that the walls are completely blank, with no quotes or inscriptions etched into the stone, which gives it a very minimalist feel. It’s a popular spot, and you’ll likely see many people taking photos and selfies. While the plaza itself felt safe and well-kept, be mindful of your surroundings on the outskirts. The walk from here toward the Grassy Knoll area can feel a little rough, so just stay aware of your environment as you transition between the two sites.

One very important site in Main Street, Dallas, Texas is this place. 200 yards from this place is where JFK got shot. Simple and yet touches one's heart when you see this place. Still sad to remember that the President of the United Stated was assassinated here.

A very solemn place with great historical significance. The monument is interesting, but I thought there might be a bit more to see than there was.

The JFK memorial was a somber reminder of what JFK left behind in Dallas. It is a memorial built with no spectacular attraction to it. You just look at an open air box with seating in the center and wonder what it come have had become.

Needs a good power wash, but it’s massive and moving nonetheless. As you walk through the openings, the spots within reach are smoothed down from the millions of hands and hearts that have come before to pay homage to the life and the light that was John F. Kennedy.

The kind of outdoor free monument that is a testament to time, structure, and perspective of sanity. Some humans certainly need to see this more than others. JFK RIP.

The JFK Memorial Plaza is along Main Street across from Founders Plaza, around 200 yards from where the President was assassinated. At the centre of the plaza is a grand monument to the late President, the work of architect Philip Johnson and was inaugurated in 1970. What you see here is an example of modern architecture, an open cenotaph style monument design with 30 feet tall walls and 50 feet square in scale. There is also a simple black granite slab with the President's name engraved at centre. You can walk inside the monument and spend time in reflection.

The memorial is a solemn place to think and reflect on JFK’s assassination. The grounds are clean and peaceful in the early morning before the crowds arrive. However, we were expecting more of a memorial, maybe even a statue of JFK. With the magnitude of this historical event, we thought there would be more. Maybe there was in the past.

This is a box memorial in Dallas Downtown. It is very close the area when he got assassinated. The memorial cannot see the six floor museum where the gun man is. But they are very close. The memorial only can said is structure designed with cantilever wall. Other than that, not much to talk about it. I have not see a memorial that design not up to the creativity. Center of the box is a flat slab concrete. The ideal to have a memorial is good but the design is really bad.

A very simple, but effective memorial. It would be interesting to know how this memorial came to be a boxed in area. There's likely more to it. Not far from our hotel, we came upon this plaza area where JFK met his demise. It is a place that brings folks together. Spans for a few blocks and several monuments and installations along the way. The shots are marked on the roadway. Some crazy folks chance the light being in their favor so as not to get hit for a pic.

So much history packed into this relatively small area. First cabin settlement, site of Kennedy assassination, early courthouse.

The JFK Memorial plaza as an interesting tribute. While in town for business, we had to stop by it and other sites related to JFK. I am not very creative and into art so it didn't do much for me, but if you are in the area it's cool to stop by and take a few photos.

Not glorifying a location where a person lost their life. But being taught this in school it is US History. It's very surreal being at a location you've seen countless documentaries and history lessons on. Easy to park on the street.

I was across the street reporting for Jury Duty and wanted to stop in again because it's been many years since I've been here. I just remembered it being a nice and quiet space, blocking out traffic and car horns and today I had the same feeling. Each individual has their own idea of what a memorial is or should be. I think it's up to your personal experience, but I find it a quiet calming space inside the concrete walls away from the hustle and bustle of a busy noisy city.

I would expected a bit more than tall concrete walls surrounding a center stone. I suppose that was the artists concept towards this memorial of JFK. It is a quiet space but does not offer that "legacy feel" when entering. Feels more like another government building with no personal touch.

Always heard about Dealey Plaza and the School Book Depository, but I must confess this one was new to me. The memorial is simple in design but profound and awe-inspiring in its tribute to the former president. I walked away in awe of what happened that fateful day. Don't miss this hidden gem tucked away a few blocks away from Dealey Plaza.

Like the number of conspiracy theories behind the John F. Kennedy assassination, the erection of this JFK Memorial in particular still left many to wonder. Apparently, it still has that same head scratching effect today, as compared to when it was first opened up to the public in 1970. Way before Yelp was even born, critics voiced plenty of opinions and mixed reviews about the entire design of this memorial in general. Yes, the design was thought up by a close family friend of the Kennedy's, and yes I understand that the open tomb feel is suppose to be a representation of Kennedy's spirit, but did I care for it? Well, not really. In fact, I never knew this monument even existed. You can call me ignorant for not knowing, but that's just how I felt at the time I visited. Parking around it wasn't free, but this place was. We basically found 2-hour public parking and walked towards the assassination site and location of the "then" Texas Book Depository. We noticed this and said, "Oh wow, let's check it out!" At the edge of the plaza, there is a sign that explains in more detail about the structure, but that's about it. Maybe I'm just not understanding the architect's vision, but I'd like to know why the numbers are what they are? 30 foot high white concrete walls, 50 by 50 foot square, 8 pillars supporting it off the ground, and approximately 200 yards away from Dealey Plaza. And in the center of it was just a granite square with the name "John Fitzgerald Kennedy" carved in gold lettering on both the north and south side of the square. I bet there's a different feeling at night, but I wouldn't wanna roam around here at night as no one is around. But maybe that's really the way it's meant to be appreciated? I hear that at night, the monument is meant to look like its floating. Or maybe come here prior to dawn to watch the sky wake up? I'm not sure. I mean, I tried to like this place and did stop to reflect, but like the Pearl Harbor Memorial I just couldn't. Meaning in comparison, there were kids running around it and parents not controlling them, or even teaching them about what this place represents. Teens walking and talking through it like, yeah okay next. Disrespectful people and distractions, so annoying! And Americans wonder why we are hated in other countries. In Latin, there is a phrase called "a caelo usque ad centrum", or "from heaven all the way to the center of the earth". I felt like that's the intended meaning behind this place, especially when you gaze up at the heavens. Or another interpretation to that phrase means in relation to it would be; STOP, turn your stupid phone off for once, and from top to bottom, just give yourself some intended inner peace and meditation. Hmm, I guess this place does have Kennedy's spirit around it?

Great place to visit if you are not a local. Important part of US history and a must see. Very calm!

Embarrassing. Talk about WTF. Not the most impressive memorial that I've seen, yet a memorial nonetheless. Constructed in 1970, the JFK Memorial is a notable monument that seems to have been forgotten over time. Architecturally unappealing & uninspiring (at least to me), this memorial is nothing but a large plaque with President Kennedy's full name surrounded by four concrete walls. A 4-year old with legos could've constructed a more prestigious memorial to the 35th US President. No eternal flame. No Cape Cod stones here. Just. Four. Walls. Granted, this memorial is about 300 meters away from the assassination site. Though somewhat a macabre yet somber reminder 55 years later, the 6th Floor Museum with the JFK & Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis portraits seem more fitting to the memory of a fallen president. If this appears to have been a memorial constructed by the City of Dallas to say "I'm sorry" to JFK & his family, the impression that this memorial gives seems to say "Sorry, but not really sorry."

"Where were you when JFK got shot?" ... I was a figment of the imagination, and my mother was a twinkle in my grandmother's eye. History tells me that he is one of my favorite presidents, so during our last Dallas trip, the hubs and I ventured into Dealey Plaza downtown to check out the JFK memorial. It's got to be THE most simplistic memorial I've ever visited and, based on the Yelp reviews, not much of a crowd pleaser. I'm a fan in the sense that it serves its purpose in memorializing JFK, but that's about it. It's understated, it's quiet and I'm ok with that, but I wish it was placed in the actual spot of the assassination. The memorial is a block away, and the actual assassination location is marked by a random white "x" in the road. -- Not very presidential if you ask me. Especially not for one of our most famous, but that's just my take. I have to concur with the majority on this one.

If you're wandering downtown, then this is a good stop to see. But, not really a great place for reflecting or sitting down.

This memorial is near downtown Dallas and is honor of JFK, who was shot near the site of the memorial. It's an interesting memorial that's easy to overlook. If you go, read the plaques and go inside the center of the memorial.

I stopped by on my way to the 6th-floor museum. Everything was free. But the memorial was not inspiring for me. I visited his memorial in Fortworth. It was much better. Probably the reason is his statue in Fortworth. The Fortworth one is very Instagramable. But here is free and located near Daily Plaza. Please stop by here.

You know when you listen to certain songs and get goosebumps? Well, this place "did that" to me. The only other place that's ever done that, was the 9/11 memorial in NYC. For me, it was such an emotional experience to just be onsite. The fatal shots were fired just 200 yards of this site. After reading the reviews, I wasn't expecting much, but I think it's a very respectful memorial to JFK. The designer, Philip Johnson knew him personally, so I think it's to be said that he kept it as JFK would want it and Mrs. Kennedy approved. Honestly, I was a bit confused when I first approached. After all, it's four, thirty feet roofless walls. Aesthetically simple, yet meaningful. Representing an open tomb, symbolizing the freedom of JFK's spirit. The longer I stood there (with goosebumps) the more I appreciated it. Dallas raised 200k from private citizens back in 1964 for it, so the contemporary 9/11 memorial comparison, it isn't. I love it and everything that it memorializes and stands for.

I don't like it. The only cool thing about this architecture is the columns that appear to float. Overall this was a pathetic monument for an incredible president. I would much rather a statchue to remember someone by then an impressionist representation of IDK. The most touching things about the memorial are the plaqs to read.

A block away from the famous Dealey Plaza and the Texas Book Depository, there's a simple square with a simple structure. The location is ideal, as it's the last spot that the Kennedy motorcade went past before making the turn onto Houston Street and then the final turn on to Elm Street. Take a moment to enjoy some quiet retrospective here, where you can see this beautiful box with the simple black pedestal. It's a memorial not to Dealey Plaza and the horror that happened there, but a memorial to JFK and what he brought to America. Enjoy.

The experience, played through a personal audio recording alongside photos, videos, and physical evidence. While there are clearly many different theories about how President Kennedy passed, I thought the exhibit did a good job of presenting both the indisputable facts as well as some things that might be up for debate. It was certainly cool to view the actual window itself, as well as items from the crime scene like Oswald's rifle and onlookers' cameras. The entire experience takes about an hour. If you're at all a history fan and are in the area, it's worth checking out.

Public parking lot is $10 an hour. Monument could use a good pressure wash. But what an iconic area to be. Go just a few blocks away 6th floor museum, where the shooter shot our beloved president. Never forgotten.

I have total respect for our leaders, regardless of party, personal life, or other such debate inspiring reasons. I give the so so rating to this memorial because I was totally underwhelmed. I felt more passion and reverence standing on the simple grassy hills. The memorial was littered with trash and has suspect fluids all over the memorial stone. I would think Dallas would do a little better job ensuring the memorial was well kept. It was sad, but for the wrong reasons. They also need to do something about the overly aggressive peddlers outside the memorial trying to sell papers for "donations." I saw many people walking away without looking as they were so uncomfortable.

The JFK Memorial is one of the more boring memorials I have ever seen. From afar, it is not obvious what it is. It is basically several white walls that form a cube. You can walk through it, but the interior is very empty as well. I was definitely expecting a grander memorial to our ex-president.

Designed by Philip Johnson and dedicated in 1970, this memorial is worth a look. I'm not sure it's aged well, but it is interesting! Architecturally speaking, the memorial is huge and tall and quite imposing. Several of the columns seem to float with no visible support (it's a cool effect). It's an interesting and thoughtful memorial (I'd like to see it at night as well), and well worth stopping at for a minute if you're exploring downtown (it's just steps from the Old Red Museum and the Sixth Floor Museum).

Definitely a stop to make while visiting Dallas. The monument was breathtaking. There are benches around the monument where you can sit and reflect. Nearby is the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

This is one of those places that you need to visit and see in person at least once. After all this man was a part of American history so it is only right. This place is free to visit and out in the open, however, you will spend a few bucks on nearby parking garages are street parking was difficult to find due to construction in the area. Stop by, take a couple of photos and visit the museum down the blocks some. Nothing crazy to see here but its one of those places that like I said, you need to see at least once.

A memorial that signifies American history. The memorial itself was very simple as designed, a square memorial inside of a larger square of raised stone bars. The memorial was described by a couple of stands on opposing corners of the city block. Overall, you could probably spend 10-15 minutes walking around and observing/taking photos, but after that there's nothing really more to see. I liked how you could get close up and walk around instead of it being fenced off. There are a couple of paid guides about who may offer some history storytelling. Would recommend as a drop-by-and-see-once place, but wouldn't go out of the way unless also looking at the law courts building or visiting the museum nearby.

The most unappealing memorial I have ever visited in my entire life. It gave me confused mixed emotions. Strange. That's all I have to say about that.

One of the best free* things to do in Dallas. The asterisk is because you will probably spend a few of your hard earned bucks on parking.

The JFK Memorial is different from most. You wouldn't know what it was by looking from afar. There is no large wording on it that labels it and there is a statue to signify the relevance. The artistic characteristics draws you in to this work. It is a large white cube like structure. Tall walls with a small gap where the walls should meet the ground. You can walk into the middle of the space and enjoy the architectural beauty from the inside. Look up into the sky and be enclosed by the walls of the monument. There is a small square base in the middle that lists JFK. This is a cool sight to see and easy to stumble upon if you are walking around the downtown area.

Downtown Dallas didn't treat the Kennedys very well. This was the last bit of the route that JFK was driving down that fateful day. It didn't end well for him. Now, it's a big portion of a city block, across from a courthouse, with giant concrete barriers, that look like they're almost floating. These giant vertical concrete pillars are reminiscent of the security wall in Israel, but the fact that you can see under them make them look like it's almost something surreal. With JFKs loftiness, a bunch of concrete floating barriers seems like a strange way to commemorate a president. It seems like Trump would like a memorial with all the walls. It's such a strange memorial- it almost looks like it was built to shield from sniper fire. Built a lil' late, huh Dallas? Inside the memorial is a marble plaque with some inscription. Out in front, be sure to check out the conspiracy theorists who sell their merchandise, newsletters and JFK memorabilia. You always meet an interesting cross section of folks coming through here. Seems like someone got a discount on concrete here, and used as much as they could when building this monument.

I have visited this plaza twice, and I'm sure I will visit it more in future. It's one of the few things in Dallas that really stands out, although not for all the right reasons. As others have said, it should have probably been done differently. The first thing I was struck by as I walked up to it, is how nondescript it is. I'm not sure if that was the intention, or why. I think it's been 3 years since I last set foot in Dallas, so it's time to give it a revisit. It will happen soon. Tragedy happened in 1963. In the old days, the powers that be used to shoot anyone that they had issues with. Instead of inventing scandals, engineering impeachment, or turning everyone against them in the media... it was just done using bullets. John F Kennedy, and later his brother, were victims of that. While I will give 4 stars for the visibility and prominence and importance of this monument, I deduct a star for the same reasons that others have noted. This is the biggest stain on the history of Dallas, possibly all of Texas or even the USA in terms of Presidents at least. And this monument doesn't do the man, nor the horrific event, justice. In fact, you wouldn't even know what it was, if you didn't already know what it was. I'm not sure why the monument was set up this way, but it does bother me a little. And I hope that in future, Dallas rethinks this monument, or adds a much more poignant and appropriate one. And this is my 1963rd review (not kidding), as my tribute to the year that we lost John.

I don't where much of the hate is coming from to this memorial. It's a memorial site of JFK, you can't really go wrong with that. It's a geometric square that is tall and nice. I liked walking in this memorial and then seeing the this concrete box.

The monument says it stands as a permanent tribute to the Joy and excitement of one man's life, but the architecture / design of this monument does not show it in any way. It's a boring none impressive monument.. :( Nothing can't be done about it now but can definitely try to maintain it well and give this place the respect that it deserves.

Awesome! So informative! I've been here once before, but it's been several years ago! Enjoyed the new exhibits!

I walked past it on Main Street the first time without knowing. It's a structure of 4 white walls. The little kid in front of me peered underneath the walls to see if there was anything there. I followed suit. Nada. In a way, this memorial does fulfill its purpose, which is to provide "a place of quiet refuge, an enclosed place of thought and contemplation separated from the city around, but near the sky and earth." It's a bit of a walk from the Grassy Knoll and Dealey Plaza, where it would have been more appropriate in my opinion but to each their own.

This was such a heart wrenching place to visit. We weren't sure if we should even go. It seems a bit morbid but I'm glad we went because it did feel like we got to pay some sort of respect. It obviously has immense historical significance. I will say there were some spots that are damaged on the grounds & and it did seem kind of strange to see people snapping selfie's.

Very neat memorial for JFK. Down the street from Dealey Park where he was actually shot. Street meter parking if you want to come for a quick visit.

When I think of a monument or memorial, I think of something elegant, delicate looking, and beautiful. This is pretty big, bulky, and clunky. It's just not pretty in my opinion. The thought and meaning behind it is nice, but I guess I just don't get why they took this route for a memorial.

The Assassination of JFK and subsequent murder of the prime suspect Lee Harvey Oswald under the watch of Dallas authorities have both been black marks on Dallas' official record for generations. Dallasites were unwelcome across the country for months afterward, as if every resident had a hand in the event. This monument was supposed to commemorate his life and death, and I think it has failed completely. From the poorly-chosen site (no historical significance to the spot whatsoever, while the assassination site itself is occupied by a painted white "X" on the road), to the lack of care maintaining the structure, the JFK memorial makes it clear that Dallas would rather forget the incident entirely. It would have been better to build nothing at all than this sad slab of concrete. I hope that one day a private donor can encourage the city to demolish it and build a proper memorial. At least we could do as good a job commemorating a fallen statesman as we do your average industrialist.

In a world before Yelp, unsure of what there was to do in Dallas, my friend whom I was visiting suddenly went, "Well, let's go see where Kennedy was shot. Why not?" Not really up on the historical facts of the assassination, the grassy knoll, the Warren Commission, or even the conspiracy theories, at the time, I took my friend's dad's misinformation as truth. I mean, he lived in Dallas all his life. I was sure he'd have his facts straight. To describe the memorial, it's a stone slab with Kennedy's name written on the side without a statue or picture of the murdered president and these white walls surrounding the stone. It's all very plain and simplistic. "Why's this slab here?" I asked my friend's dad. "Oh," he said. "When Kennedy was shot they dragged him out of the car and he died right there." Not true. After the shots rang out in Dealey Plaza, the president's limousine sped off to the hospital. Nonetheless, not knowing this fact I was wildly impressed with the prospect for being so close to a historic site. So what exactly is the memorial there for? I have no idea. It's not in Dealey Plaza; it doesn't mark any significant spot. It's confusing. After reading into it, it's apparently supposed to be a "tomb" that "symbolizes the freedom of John F. Kennedy's spirit" (source: http://www.jfk.org/go/about/history-of-the-john-f-kennedy-memorial-plaza). Immortalizing a Bostonian "free spirit" in Texas? Innnnteresting.

As you walk on Main Street, tracing the route the President took that fateful day in November 1963, you'll come across a concrete box. Upon closer inspection, you will find that this box is a memorial to JFK. The view from the front at an angle where there's an illusion of the box floating up, with the black inscribed slab beneath is the intended effect, I think. Don't go inside the box. It kind of ruins it.

I really like the memorial.. I don't know why it has such bad reviews.. i feel that its very simple, yet humble and peaceful. I think it's supposed to look real cool at night time, and unfortunately I was here during the day, but I definitely would recommend people coming here and checking this place out.

All I can say is soak in the history and avoid the guys trying to sell you something. Keep in mind what happened here. Watch Smithsonian Channel, Aerial Texas. You can really see some good things about this location and then read your history.

I have set foot inside this memorial site and i have felt the weight of the world on my shoulder. True, this memorial is not as well preserved as it should be, but i do believe that the message it wants to give to future (and past) generations is NEVER lost. It is amazing in its geometrical simplicity. It makes your heart ache for a life cut too short, angry at the madness of fanatics and fervent in the need to keep the ideals alive... I may be bias when it comes to JFK, but... he was JUST getting started...

This place is right outside the 6th floor museum. This place is nice to visit after you've been in the museum, but the museum is what you really want to visit. This is more of a grassy area to view where JFK was shot from the street level. There are frequent book signings here for individuals with alternate hypothesis to who actually shot JFK. In all, it's a nice place to let the kids play in the grass, but not one to keep the adults in the group entertained.

I'm rating this purely on my overall experience. I've visited this memorial during the day and I've visited it at night. I have to admit that after dark was a much better experience for me. With the lights and the shadows, it enhanced a normally bleh experience into something more dynamic and solemn. It seemed to be more peaceful at night. There is a lot less traffic, congestion and noise. Of course at night you will need to be a bit more careful of your surroundings, but I enjoyed it at night!

Certainly a MUST SEE historical plaza designed as an open tomb for the reflection and remembrance of the life former President John F. Kennedy. People mostly visit during the day, but at night, it lights up from the bottom legs, creating an illusion that the light itself supports the structure. Really pretty.

Really nice monument honoring a great president! Lots of people around showing theories as to what happened. Just use common sense and stop and learn!

This is a must see if you are in the Dallas, Texas area. This memorial has a great illustration of the history regarding JFK's visit to Dallas. Easy tour to do which can be done in less than an hour.