Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

The Basics

The Sixth Floor Museum is at the site of the Texas Book Depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald shot the president in 1963. A rifle and sniper’s perch were later found here, on the sixth floor. Though the museum commemorates a grim occasion in American history, it does so respectfully and in a way that enriches visitors’ appreciation and understanding of Kennedy and his life.

Admission, which is covered by the Dallas CityPASS, includes an audio tour that allows you to explore the fascinating timeline of JFK’s life—detailed through various exhibits, personal family photos, documentaries, and interactive displays—on your own. History buffs can take a private guided tour that focuses on JFK’s assassination, and includes museum admission and round-trip transportation.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a must for history and JFK enthusiasts.

• Buying skip-the-line tickets in advance is highly recommended, as the wait at entry can be quite long.

• Discounted admission is available for seniors and those under age 18.

• Photography is prohibited.

• Due to the somber subject matter, the museum is not recommended for children under age 6.

• The entire museum is accessible to wheelchair users and those with special needs.

How to Get There

The museum is located at 411 Elm Street in downtown Dallas, easily accessible by major highways. It’s also a short walk from public transit: three blocks from West End Station and five blocks from Union Station. If driving, there is paid on-site parking.

When to Get There

The Sixth Floor Museum is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday, and from 12pm to 6pm on Monday. For a more contemplative experience, try to visit early in the day on a weekday, rather than on weekends or holidays.

Exhibits of Note

The Sixth Floor Museum provides historical context for the events of, and after, JFK’s assassination in 1963. There are historical images, news footage, artifacts, and more. Among the museum’s more unusual items is Lee Harvey Oswald’s 14-karat gold Russian wedding ring, which he left behind at home in a teacup on the morning of John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

Ways to explore

Plan up to two hours to visit the museum, where the John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation exhibition chronicles the life and times of JFK, the assassination and subsequent arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald, and the associated conspiracy theories. You can even look out over Dealey Plaza from the Corner Window, where Oswald would have stood.

Guided Dallas tours with a focus on the JFK assassination often combine a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza with a walking tour of Dealey Plaza, the Grassy Knoll, and John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, or a visit to the Oswald Rooming House Museum.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and people with limited mobility. Free wheelchairs and sensory packs are available for loan. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

The museum is family-friendly, but the subject matter is best suited for children aged 10 years and over. Admission is free for kids under 5.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, camera

What to wear

Light layers, as the museum is air-conditioned.

Not allowed

Large bags and luggage, food and drinks in the museum galleries, pets, flash photography

Amenities

Paid luggage storage, bookstore, restrooms

Address 

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located on Elm Street in downtown Dallas. It is easily accessible on foot, by public transport, or by car.

Driving

Interstate 35 East (aka Stemmons Freeway) runs just west of the plaza—take exit 429B toward Commerce Street/Elm Street. Paid parking is available at the museum.

Public transportation

Within Dallas, take the DART to West End station, from where it’s about a 3-minute walk to the plaza. If you’re arriving from Fort Worth, take the TRE to Union Station, about a 5-minute walk.

Best times to visit

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm, so book your timed-entry tickets in advance to secure your spot. To dodge the crowds, opt for the first or last slot of the day.

Best days to visit

The museum is open from Wednesday through Sunday, and it’s usually quietest on weekday mornings. Avoid holiday weekends when most downtown Dallas sights are busier than usual.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall offer the best weather for sightseeing in Dallas. The museum is also a good spot to escape the summer heat or spend a rainy day.