Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Oh my god the best museum ever! Using high tech tablets and interactive exhibits, you learn in full depth the history and functions of the U.S. Senate, while also acting as a memorial museum to EMK. At multiple times people are invited into their full scale senate chamber to vote on the issue of the day. They learn about voting and bill production in another exhibit, «How a Bill Becomes a Law,» focusing a much lighter topic then the issue of the day, a national ice cream sundae law. Throughout your visit you learn about the history of the senate, how to be a senator, and senate importance in a completely interactive experience. Now another thing. I visited the real senate chamber in DC. I can personally vouch to say that their replica is PERFECT down to the slightest detail. So cool. It is a must see if you are in Boston!

Having just left his more-​attractive cousin’s library, I was greeted by the most fun, polite, and professional young staff people thus far. Don’t get me wrong. The staff at the JFK Library was as polite and sweet. The only difference is that the EMK Institute is VERY well-​designed. The professionalism of each and every person there truly makes the difference. The actors in the Senate model are fantastic. What a great time spent. Give yourself at least 2 hours to get the experience. i have a new understanding of our elected politicians. Some great artwork neaks up on you in Teddy’s office too. Thank you!

I checked out the Edward M Kennedy Institute after watching the inauguration ceremonies with President Obama and Joe Biden. I have to say, I was certainly impressed!
The Institute doubles as a remembrance to the late Senator Kennedy and also a museum detailing the workings of the senate. The space is oriented in a large circular path around that you navigate with the help of a electronic tablet. I was originally a little concerned with the tablet, but it turns into a delightful process of participation between museum and visitor. The entire process draws the visitor into participation in a way that invokes a sense of excitement about the Senate that is delightfully refreshing.
Which brings me to the main event… The Senate Floor! The Institue has a full scale replica of the upper house that is jaw dropping. Throughout the day the staff calls a mock assemble to debate the issue of the day (mine was an Immigration Bill). Walking onto the Senate floor, there is a real sense of wonder and excitement. The room itself is a sight to behold, but there’s an equal thrill of a presentation including a vote and debates from the floor (aka the visitor sitting in for senators).
Overall, it was a terrific experience, and one that balances history, current events, and user participation. I’ll definitely be headed back for another bill.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute opened just earlier this year right next to the John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum on Columbia Point. I figured that it would be good to go at least once, so I took advantage of the the Highland Street Free Fun Fridays 2015, thus saving myself the MA resident entrance fee of $ 14 — which is a 2 buck discount from the regular $ 16 price.
The line just to get in took a while since each person had to be set up with a tablet and undergo a group intro on how to use it. I didn’t end up actually using it too much, but without it, I wouldn’t have been able to vote for my preferred ice cream toppings.
We spent the larger portion of our trip (well, minus the line to get in) over in the corner where they had set up a recreation of Edward Kennedy’s office and a variety of personal photos and paintings, and in the life-​size reproduction of the Senate Chamber where we sat through an hour long live presentation. There wasn’t a ton to see on the three primary walls of the institute.
There’s food for sale inside the gift shop area at the Chamber Café. Prices are not outrageous and the menu consists of soups, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. A sack picnic lunch was also available for $ 5, which included a sandwich (turkey on brioche or vegetarian wrap), chips, apple, and cookie — probably the best deal, since their a la carte sandwiches started at $ 7.50. Picnic tables were available outside for convenient picnicking.

Stark and not particularly informative. Completely sanitized to focus exclusively on Ted Kennedy. A shrine… not a real museum devoted to the actual human being… you know, the good AND the bad. Skip it.

First, the good: the recreated Senate chamber is a unique feature. It should be a nice spot for future debates and political meetings.
The building… check out the photos on the website… seriously did someone pay $ 10’s of millions to build this? An old warehouse or even an abandoned big box store has more charm. This should really be called an unbuilding since no one really would take credit for these bland shapes.
As a museum, the place would be better as an online thing. Other than a recreation of the Senator’s D. C. office with a really nice view of Boston harbor, filled with photos and a desk top of memorabilia there are no artifacts just white walls for silly computer games.
The Senate votes for whipped cream on the sundae… The House voted for orange slices! Really, this is not a joke, a real exhibit designed by Caroline Kennedy’s husband.
The café is good, but very pricey for small portions. The place is way overpriced.

Excellent. Takes about 1 – 1.5 hrs. So far no crowds, but that will change. Right next to JFK Museum.
Best part is the final exhibit which is a complete reenactment of the Senate chambers in DC.
There is an interactive demonstration based on what you just learned about the institution and a current issue to be voted on.
Good for Dems and Reps