Senator Ted Kennedy - the youngest brother of JFK - who died last August, is to have an Institute for the Senate built in his name, next to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum on the University of Massachusetts at Boston campus.
According to its website, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate is "dedicated to educating the public about our system of government and enhancing civic engagement. Our goal is to invigorate public discourse, encourage participatory democracy and inspire the next generation of citizens and leaders".
The 44,000sq ft (4,090sq m) building, designed by New York-based architect Rafael Viñoly, will boast an exhibit hall, Senate Chamber representation, a replica of Kennedy's office, a classroom, a digital library and archives.
Rafael Viñoly said, “We are honoured to develop this important educational project that will greatly enhance public understanding of the role of the US Senate. We are proud to be working with the Institute and the University of Massachusetts to make Senator Kennedy’s exciting vision a reality.”
Work is expected to begin in the autumn, and the institute is due to open in 2013.
