John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial, Presidential memorial in West End Historic District, Dallas, US
The John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial is a concrete structure in Dallas's West End Historic District made of 72 white columns arranged as walls. A central granite block with golden text sits inside, while eight concrete support columns hold the roofless design in place.
The memorial was built after Kennedy's assassination in 1963, with Dallas citizens raising 200,000 dollars through 50,000 individual donations. Architect Philip Johnson designed it to focus on remembrance rather than commemorating specific historical details.
The inscription on the memorial states that Kennedy's life and death belonged to all humanity, speaking to shared human experience. Visitors experience this message within an open space designed for reflection and quiet remembrance.
The memorial sits near Dealey Plaza and is freely accessible with open access during daylight hours. The site is straightforward to reach on foot and requires no special preparation for visiting.
The eight concrete support columns hold the weight while the open roofless design leaves the space exposed to sky and weather. This construction creates a different experience depending on conditions and time of day.
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