
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Texas
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building, formerly the Texas School Book Depository, overlooking Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas, Texas. The museum provides a comprehensive examination of the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy, the tragic events surrounding his assassination on November 22, 1963, and the enduring legacy of that moment in American history. It also explores the life of Lee Harvey Oswald and various conspiracy theories related to the assassination. The museum's primary exhibit, "John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation," features historic films, photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays that document the assassination, governmental investigations, and the cultural impact of the 1960s. The building itself has a rich history, originally constructed in 1901 atop the foundation of an earlier structure, and served various commercial purposes before becoming the site tied to this pivotal event. The museum also holds a significant collection of over 90,000 items, including the copyright and copies of the Zapruder film, an iconic recording of the assassination. Visitors can also experience special exhibits and public programs on the seventh floor, enhancing understanding of the era and the event's significance. The museum is funded through donations and ticket sales and offers an immersive and reflective experience for those interested in American history and the Kennedy presidency.
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Astuce: The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially in the morning. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry, as the museum can be busy. Visitors should allocate ample time to explore both the sixth and seventh floors, including special exhibits. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. The museum offers interactive guides to enhance the visit, including a detailed exploration of Dealey Plaza itself.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum holds the copyright to the Zapruder film, one of the most famous recordings of the JFK assassination, donated by the Zapruder family in 1999.
- •The original camera negative of the Zapruder film is held by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, not the museum.
- •In 2007, the museum publicly showed previously unreleased 8 mm color film footage of Kennedy's motorcade, providing unique visual insight into the moments before the assassination.
- •The museum’s collection includes over 90,000 items related to JFK’s assassination, presidency, and 1960s culture.
- •The building was originally constructed in 1901 after a fire destroyed the previous structure in 1898.
Histoire
The building housing the museum was originally constructed in 1901 on the foundation of a five-story structure destroyed by lightning-induced fire in 1898.
Initially used as a warehouse and then a grocery wholesaler, it became the Texas School Book Depository in 1963.
After the assassination of President Kennedy, the building remained leased until 1970 when Dallas County acquired it and restored its exterior to the 1901 appearance.
The museum officially opened on Presidents' Day, February 20, 1989, following a decade of development and community reflection, to provide historical context and preserve the memory of the assassination and its aftermath.
Guide du lieu
John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation Exhibit
The museum's primary exhibit on the sixth floor offers a detailed and immersive presentation of JFK's life, the assassination, governmental investigations, and the cultural legacy of the 1960s through films, photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays.
Special Exhibits and Public Programs
Located on the seventh floor, these rotating exhibits and programs focus on related historical topics, such as the immersive exhibition 'On Assignment: Dallas Times Herald 1963,' placing visitors inside the newsroom during the assassination weekend.
Contact
Téléphone: (214) 747-6660