Kennedy Center confirms two-year closure from July
The closure follows months of controversy around political appointments to the venue's board
News By Ciaran Donnelly | 17 March 2026
Washington DC’s Kennedy Center has confirmed it will close for two years to undergo a “landmark renovation”, following months of controversy around the cultural venue’s naming and modernisation plans.
In a statement, the venue’s management said the “comprehensive revitalisation project” would follow an Independence Day Celebration on 4 July. They confirmed the building will then close for approximately two years, with a “grand reopening” to follow.
US President Donald Trump has persistently called for the closure of the performing arts venue since entering his second presidential term in 2025, saying the building is in need of modernisation. Trump first mentioned redevelopment plans in the wake of cultural sector backlash to his renaming of the longstanding venue to reference himself in December 2025.
Shortly after starting…
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