A Guide to the EMK Institute in Boston

If you think you know what to expect from a museum, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute (EMK Institute) will surprise you.

This is not a traditional walk-through-and-read-the-placards experience. It is an immersive, interactive deep dive into American democracy that puts you right in the middle of the action -- literally.

Located on Columbia Point in Dorchester, right next to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, the EMK Institute is one of Boston's most distinctive and underrated destinations for families, students, and anyone who wants to understand how the U.S. Senate actually works.

What Makes It Special

From the moment you walk in, you are greeted not as a visitor but as a United States Senator. The centerpiece of the 68,000-square-foot building -- designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly -- is a full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber. It is the only one in the world open to the public, and stepping onto that floor is genuinely impressive.

Guided programs in the Chamber include a live simulated vote, so your group actually debates and casts votes on Senate business. It is the kind of hands-on civics lesson that is nearly impossible to replicate in a classroom.

Beyond the Chamber, you can explore a faithful replica of Senator Ted Kennedy's Washington, D.C., Russell Senate Office, where tablet-based exhibits let you dig into the stories behind items in the collection. Additional gallery exhibits walk through the history and traditions of the Senate using technology-driven projected displays throughout the space.

Good to Know Before You Go

Visits to the EMK Institute are by appointment only, and the Institute asks that you schedule at least two weeks in advance through their website. This is not a drop-in attraction, so plan ahead.

The Institute is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is closed on federal holidays. 

All bags and backpacks must be checked by a security officer at the admissions desk.

Getting There

The Institute is at 210 Morrissey Boulevard on the UMass Boston campus. Free parking is available in the Institute's lot, with designated accessible spaces.

By public transit, take the Red Line to JFK/UMass Station and board the free UMass Boston shuttle (Bus #1, Paul Revere Route 1) to the Kennedy/Archives stop, which drops you right across from the Institute.

Admission

Adults: $20 College students (with ID): $15 Seniors and Veterans: $10 Children and Youth (ages 6 to 17): $10 Children 5 and under: Free Active Military Members: Free. 

Occasionally they host open houses where visitors can tour for free.  Check their website.

Boston Public Library cardholders can check for available museum passes, which offer free admission for residents under 18 and a discounted rate for two adults. Check your local branch for availability.

Combine Your Visit

The JFK Presidential Library and Museum is steps away, making this an easy and worthwhile double. EMK Institute visitors receive a $2 discount on same-day admission to the JFK Library with a valid EMK ticket. Massachusetts library cardholders can also get 50% off JFK Library admission by presenting their library card at the admissions desk there.

Between the two sites, you can spend a full day exploring the Kennedy legacy -- from JFK's presidency to Ted Kennedy's decades in the Senate -- without ever moving your car.

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About the Author

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral, for over 25 years — discovering and sharing the best places to explore in Greater Boston and beyond.