Admissions

Your visit

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is designed to bring the history of the United States Senate alive – using technology to engage and inspire like never before. The Institute features a full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber, interactive exhibits, and a reproduction of Senator Kennedy’s Washington, D.C. office.

Admissions

In-person visits The Kennedy Institute is happy to welcome groups of visitors to our Columbia Point location in person. Each group visit includes customizable experience options as well as a program in our Senate Chamber reproduction. Feel free to email us at info@emkinstiute.org if you have any questions.

Please contact us to reserve your group time at least two weeks in advance of your visit. We can accommodate between 10 and 100 visitors in a group.

Group pricing
All U.S public school groups: FREE
MA private school or after school program groups, up to age 17: $5 per person
non-MA students: $6 per person
Young people, ages 18-24: $10 per person
All College Groups: $10 per person
Seniors or veterans: $10 per person
Adults: $12 per person
Institute Members: FREE (Learn more about Kennedy Institute membership here.)
Active military members and immediate family: FREE

Virtual program visits
The Kennedy Institute continues to offer virtual programming throughout the year to student groups and learners of all ages. We can accommodate between 10 and 60 visitors in a group.

Virtual program pricing
All U.S. public school students: FREE
non-MA students, up through age 17: $5 per person
All other attendees: $10 per person

Free admission for all public school students is generously supported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Visitor Guidelines:

For the safety of visitors and staff, and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Kennedy Institute will be open for public, in-person tours on a limited basis and with new safety measures in our buildings. We require that all in-person visitation be conducted through group visits with a minimum of 10 attendees.

Social distancing: We suggest all visitors and staff maintain a safe distance of six or more feet between households or groups at all times.
Hygiene: Please wash and sanitize your hands during your visit and practice good hygiene. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the building.
Face coverings: Face coverings are strongly encouraged inside the Institute.
Eating and drinking: The Institute’s cafe is closed. If your group needs lunch space, please let us know during your reservation process and we will accommodate as possible.
Bags: All backpacks and bags brought into the building will need to be checked by an Institute security officer. Large bags will not be permitted in the building.
Photography: The Institute engages in photographing and recording programs and events for its own documentation and promotional purposes.

Group Visits:

At this time we require that all in-person visitation be conducted through group visits with a minimum of 10 attendees, maximum 100. Group visits include a tour of the Institute’s exhibits and participation in a simulated Senate session in the full-scale reproduction of the Senate Chamber. If you would like to book a group tour, please fill out our Group Visit Request Form. Please email groupsales@emkinstitute.org for more information.

More comfortable staying “safer at home” and want to visit in the future? Learn about our reopening plans by signing up for our newsletter here. Interested in a virtual program? Click here to learn more about the Institute’s live facilitated virtual programs.

Filming Guidelines

Filming at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is not permitted without the permission of the Institute. If you are a member of the press and have a media request, please contact the Institute’s communications office via press@emkinstitute.org. For all other filming inquiries, please contact the Institute’s events office via events@emkinstitute.org.

Lost and Found

The Institute’s Lost and Found is at the Coat Check area. You may also call the Lost and Found desk with any questions via the Institute’s main number, 617.740.7000.