Kennedy Center Faces Proposed Two-Year Closure for Renovation

Trump Proposes Two-Year Closure for Kennedy Center Renovation Amid Renaming Controversy

President Donald Trump has announced a proposal for a two-year closure of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, beginning July 4, for extensive renovation and rebuilding. The stated aim is to transform the center into a "World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment." This announcement comes amid a series of artistic cancellations, leadership changes, and ongoing debate regarding efforts to rename the national memorial.

Proposed Renovation and Rationale

President Trump communicated his proposal via social media, stating the closure is based on input from "Highly Respected Experts." He described the current facility as "tired, broken, and dilapidated," with the goal of creating "the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World" through a "Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding."

Trump indicated he had reviewed the venue for a year before deciding on a full closure for approximately two years, with an aim to elevate "The Trump Kennedy Center" and ensure it would "not be woke."

Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell confirmed the announcement, acknowledging that it raises questions regarding temporary closure and operational changes. Grenell supported the plan, calling it a "brief closure" necessary for comprehensive and faster renovations, which he stated would "set the stage for a stronger, revitalized National Cultural and Entertainment Complex."

Neither Trump nor Grenell has publicly provided evidence to substantiate claims of the building's disrepair. This announcement also contradicts President Trump’s earlier pledge in October to keep the center open during renovations. The Kennedy Center underwent an expansion and renovation in 2019.

A Period of Artistic Departures and Leadership Shifts

The proposal follows a period of significant changes at the Kennedy Center, initiated in February 2025. These included a board overhaul and President Trump's appointment as chair. Since these changes, the center has experienced a series of cancellations and departures from artists and cultural organizations:

• Composer Philip Glass withdrew his Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln," citing a conflict between the center's current values and his piece's message.
• The Washington National Opera announced its departure from the center after more than 40 years.
• Jeffrey Seller, producer of Hamilton, stated his show could not participate in the new culture.
• Artists including Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Peter Wolf, and Low Cut Connie canceled performances.
• The head of artistic programming for the center resigned less than two weeks after his appointment.
• Television producer Shonda Rhimes resigned from the board of trustees in February, while Renée Fleming and Ben Folds stepped down as artistic advisers.

An analysis for The Washington Post indicated a significant decline in ticket sales for the center the previous year, reporting that 43% of tickets for typical productions were unsold between September 3 and October 19.

Controversial Renaming Efforts Face Congressional Pushback

President Trump's name has been added to the building. In December, a new board of trustees, selected by Trump, voted to rename the institution the "Trump-Kennedy Center." However, the Kennedy Center is legally designated as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, established as a living memorial, and any name change is understood to require congressional approval.

The proposed renaming has generated strong opposition from various quarters.

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex-officio trustee of the center’s board, filed a lawsuit in December over the renaming issue, arguing that Congress holds the sole authority to rename the center.

Kerry Kennedy, a niece of John F. Kennedy, publicly stated she would remove Trump’s name herself. Maria Shriver, another family member, called the attempt to rename the memorial "beyond comprehension" and later suggested the closure might be a deflection from artist cancellations. Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedy's grandson, indicated his belief that Trump might attempt to separate the center from Kennedy's legacy.

Beatty criticized Trump for acting with "total disregard for Congress," which allocates funds to the center, and questioned the future for artists and the institution's artistic independence. She stated that "America’s artists are rejecting this attempted takeover, and the administration knows it."

Key Questions and Concerns Surrounding the Closure

Multiple questions and concerns have been raised by various stakeholders regarding the proposed two-year closure and renovation:

The Kennedy Center's charter designates it as a living memorial, and significant actions typically require congressional approval. Congress has not yet addressed a previous proposal to rename the complex.

Concerns exist for organizations, performers, and unions with open contracts, including long-running shows like Shear Madness and the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, whose contract is set to expire. The National Symphony Orchestra, a key resident artistic organization, would lose its home. Questions include its relocation and whether the closure might alter its financial relationship with the Kennedy Center.

Questions have been posed regarding President Trump's specific vision for the complex, particularly whether a "complete rebuilding" would allocate space for artistic disciplines such as opera, classical music, and dance, which have not historically been a stated priority for him.

The identified closing date of July 4 falls in the middle of the Kennedy Center's musical theater season, raising questions about the fate of announced touring productions, including The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Back to the Future: The Musical, as well as children's shows. Specifics about the extent of the "complete rebuilding" are sought, especially considering the center's 2019 renovation. A source close to the Kennedy Center reportedly stated that Trump has expressed enthusiasm for changes such as installing marble armrests in the main theater, which some experts suggest could negatively impact acoustics.

Concerns exist regarding the future of valuable artworks and historical artifacts housed at the Kennedy Center, including a bust of President Kennedy and cultural treasures.

A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment.