John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Welcome to Dallas. We stand in a city whose skyline reaches toward the future, yet whose historic heart remains anchored to a single tragic day. …

Standing at the eastern edge of the memorial plaza block, we must first orient ourselves to the deep historical context of this specific patch of Texas soil. Across the bustling street stands the magnificent Old Red Museum, a…

We are now standing at the immediate exterior of the John F. Kennedy Memorial, face to face with the visionary work of the renowned architect Philip Johnson. …

We have arrived at the north side of the memorial, facing one of the two narrow openings that provide the only access into the structure. Notice how deliberately narrow this passageway is. …

You are now standing in the quiet enclosure at the very center of the memorial. Take a moment to simply look up. …

As you exit the inner sanctum through the narrow southern portal, you experience the architectural transition in reverse. The quiet, sky lit isolation of the central room gives way once again to the shadows of the concrete…

We have arrived at Dealey Plaza, an area officially designated as a National Historic Landmark in nineteen ninety three. Visually, the space is defined by its gently sloping green lawns, its concrete pergolas, and the sweeping…

Turn your attention to the massive, imposing red brick building standing at the corner of Houston and Elm. This is the former Texas School Book Depository, now serving as the Dallas County Administration Building. …

We are now walking along the gentle green slope on the north side of Elm Street, universally known as the grassy knoll. This small patch of landscaped parkland is arguably the most fiercely debated piece of real estate in…

As we conclude our exploration of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza and Dealey Plaza, we find ourselves standing at the intersection of public grief and forensic history. …