Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is a museum and education center on Columbia Point that lets visitors experience how the Senate works. Guests are greeted as US senators, explore digital exhibits on Senate history, and take part in a live vote on the floor of the world’s only full-scale replica of the US Senate Chamber. A faithful reproduction of Senator Kennedy’s Russell Senate office shows the people, values and ideas he kept close during nearly 47 years in office.

The Institute also works as a distinctive event venue for galas, conferences, receptions and celebrations. Its 68,000-square-foot building, designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, wraps the Senate Chamber replica with three fully digital galleries and a grand lobby, plus three studio classrooms. Events can be customized with videos, photos and logos projected across the space. A program series brings sitting senators, authors and journalists to the Institute for public conversations.

What to Know

• The Institute was founded in 2015 and sits on the UMass Boston campus.
• The venue has 22 high-resolution projectors across three walls, plus digital screens in the lobby and Senate Chamber.
• Visits and programs are by advance booking, and groups should request visits at least two weeks ahead.
• The facility is listed as wheelchair accessible.