Visitors to the museum learn about the career of John F. Kennedy, the challenges he faced, the decisions he made, and his commitment to public life as he speaks for himself on film, video, and sound recordings from the Library's audio-visual collections.

The museum experience begins with an introductory film, narrated by John F Kennedy, in which he discusses his early life and political career, culminating with the 1960 nomination for the presidency.  Visitors then walk through exhibits which are evocative of the period, following John F. Kennedy on the campaign trail, through the events of his inauguration and into the White House.  Exhibits on the Kennedy presidency focus on such hallmarks as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Peace Corps and the Space Program. Exhibits on Attorney General Robert Kennedy and the president’s Oval Office deal primarily with the growing Civil Rights movement of the early 1960’s.  A series of displays highlight first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s role in the historic restoration of the White House, which culminated with her celebrated televised tour of the President’s House in 1962.

After viewing the exhibit on JFK’s legacy, visitors enter a 115-foot-high glass pavilion  where they may enjoy the panorama of ocean, city and sky, while reflecting on what they have seen and heard. On one wall is a quotation from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address:

"All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days.
Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days,
nor in the life of this administration,
nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.
But let us begin."

It is hoped that all who use the Kennedy Library will take from it a deeper appreciation of our system of government and a greater awareness of the benefits and responsibilities of living in a free society.