On November 22, 1963, the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository became world-famous for all the wrong reasons. From a window on that floor, Lee Harvey Oswald fatally shot U.S. President John F. Kennedy in what would become one of the darkest moments in the country's history. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located on the sixth floor of that very building, which is now called the Dallas County Administration Building.
The museum covers the aspects of that day through film footage, photographs and eyewitness accounts. The museum also documents the aftermath of the tragedy, the findings of the Warren Commission, which are still disputed to this day, and the legacy of the event.
This is a dynamic museum, with many varied and interesting resources. Stand in the exact spot where Oswald stood. Nestled among boxes of books, here he allegedly fired the shots that killed President Kennedy. The room has remained unchanged since 1963. Artifacts on display include the cameras that captured the motorcade on film and the scale model of the building and surrounding areas used by the Warren Commission during the investigation. It's worth grabbing an audio guide, which is included in the admission price. Pierce Allman, the first reporter to broadcast from the Book Depository that day, narrates it. Across the street from the museum you will find the famed grassy knoll from where some witnesses say they heard gunshots.
Located on the corner of Elm and Houston streets in the heart of downtown Dallas, you can reach the museum by car or public transportation. There is a paid parking lot next door. If you travel by the DART light rail, get off at Union or West End stations, both just a short walk from the museum.
The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
