photography courtesy of the Kennedy Memorial
At first glance, the structure at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza may seem imposing, but its expansive white walls and open design make for a perfect place to reflect on the life of the late president. The plaque outside of the memorial reads that the memorial is intended to pay “tribute to the joy and excitement” of Kennedy’s life. There’s no ornamentation inside except for a black granite slab on the ground bearing Kennedy’s name, making the memorial an ideal spot for introspection.
Designed by Philip Johnson and erected in 1970, the monument is located on Main Street in the West End, about 200 yards east of where the fatal shots were fired. Johnson, most known for his design of the Glass House—for which he won the inaugural Pritzker Prize for architecture—was also the architect behind the The Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth.
During the day, the Kennedy Memorial is within walking distance of The Sixth Floor Museum, the Old Red Museum, and the Dallas World Aquarium, but the best time to visit is at night, when light comes cascading from under the walls, making them seem to float.