As I read on the presentation of the museum, the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum is a memorial for the 35e President of the United States. Conceived by the designer Pei (he also made the Louvre Pyramid in Paris), this museum was built thanks to the private donations of more than 36 millions of people in the whole world. It was opened in 1979, and 6 millions of people visited it. The library has archives of the president and his family, pics, videos, etc. Ok. That’s the bright side of the figures. But the truth is that I was totally bored by this visit.
Last year, I saw a TV show about the Kennedys. I was bored to death: no point of view, a plain succession of facts, like a descriptive history lesson.
The ambiance of the 40’s – 60’s was bad, we didn’t see any details to give it a true aspect. The only interesting element was about his personal life; the dresses of Jackie, his children, his affairs (but I prefer watch Gossip Girl). Anyway, it gave me the opportunity to brush up on his life (and I learnt that Jack was his nickname).
The outside of the museum is gorgeous, in front of the sea with a great view on the city (at least I just guess because there was fog that day).
But the inside of the museum is like the TV show: without any depths. We started with a movie: the voice of the President over archives images, telling about his beginings, his youth, and his job as a senator.
After this, we went in the museum: rooms with very kitsch decorum.
I saw dresses of Jackie, films from their family vacation, some presents. It makes no sense.
As I had such a bad feeling, I went to Yelp to try to figure out what other people like about this place. I’ve just read comments like “wonderful and inspiring museum” ; “my favorite place in Boston”, “my mother cries”. Really? I think I miss some American soul to appreciate this.
