The Sixth Floor Museum
Dallas' Tribute to John F. Kennedy
Article Date: January, 2014
Article and Photography by Mark Quasius
Surrounding Area
Dealey Plaza was created as a city park in the 1930s as a vehicular gateway to downtown Dallas. The Dealey Plaza National
Historical Landmark District, established in 1993, encompasses the plaza as well as the surrounding buildings, the triple underpass and the
railroad yards and historic switching tower. The grassy knoll rises from the north side of Elm Street to the edge of the stockade fence. Placards
identify the exact spot where Abraham Zapruder, a Dallas dress maker, filmed the entire event as the motorcade passed his location. Zapruder's film
footage was made available to authorities hours after the shooting and was crucial in helping them to understand and analyze the shooting. It is
the sole film footage of the actual assassination. A pair of taped Xs marks the two locations where President Kennedy was shot as the motorcade
passed by. The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza was designed by architect Phillip Johnson and dedicated in 1970. It is located two blocks away from
the museum and is an open air memorial depicting John F. Kennedy's spirit of freedom.
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The museum's cafe provides lunches and light fare and is located adjacent to the museum.
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The Old Red Museum is across the street from the Sixth Floor Museum. The former Dallas County Courthouse, built in 1896, houses
exhibits of the early history of Dallas. It is a worthwhile stop.
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The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is two blocks from the Sixth Floor Museum. It was designed by Phillip Johnson with an "open tomb"
design to symbolize President Kennedy's free spirit.
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The museum's gift shop stocks an extensive selection of gifts and books pertaining to John F. Kennedy.
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Tips for RV Travelers
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located in downtown Dallas. Numerous freeways afford easy access to the area but
parking for large vehicles such as RVs is not available. There are bus parking areas quite a way to the north but you'll be better off leaving your
RV at the RV park and taking your tow or towed vehicle into downtown Dallas. Passenger vehicle parking is available at the museum. There are
numerous RV parks in the area. In our case we stayed in nearby Terrell, Texas at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park and found it was an easy 45 minute drive
into the downtown area.
An average of 320,000 people visit the museum each year so tickets are by timed entry in 30 minutes to eliminate overcrowding
and to ensure that you'll be able to comfortably enjoy your visit. On busy days some entry times may be sold out so consider buying your tickets
online in advance. The museum recommends 90 minutes for the average visit, although I would allow extra time to see Dealey Plaza and the area
surrounding the museum. Arriving early and avoiding busy weekend days always helps. Photographs may be taken outside but no photography is allowed
in the museum. Lockers are available in the visitor center to check any gear you don't want to carry while on the tour.
The Sixth Floor Museum is one of those stops that you should put on your bucket list. It's an interesting look at a tragic
event in America's history as well as a snapshot of that era and a testament to John F. Kennedy's eternal legacy.
Source
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
(214) 747-6660
www.jfk.org
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