Kennedy Center Board Votes to Close Building for Renovations

On September 15, 2026, the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted to close the main building right away. The decision is for a two-year renovation project.

Why the Closure?

Board members said the building has serious safety problems. They pointed to structural issues, including a recent incident where plaster fell from the ceiling. Officials also said the center faces major money troubles and could run out of funds soon.

A cracked building facade behind yellow safety barriers with scaffolding, a wheelbarrow and repair tools — The board cited structural problems and water damage as reasons for the immediate closure.

The planned work is a large renovation that could cost around $250 million. Congress has already set aside money for the project. The goal is to fix the building and update it.

Some programming may continue at other parts of the campus, like the Reach, or at off-site locations. But the main building is now closed to the public.

The Naming Dispute

The vote happened the same day a federal judge blocked efforts to add President Donald Trump’s name to the building. Trump chairs the board and has said renovations will not start until courts allow the name change.

Trump posted that the closing is immediate for safety reasons, but the full renovation depends on the legal outcome. The Justice Department is appealing the judge’s ruling.

An illustration of a courthouse with scales of justice beside a performing arts building, with blank name cards between them — A federal judge blocked the name change, and the matter remains before the courts.

This is not the first time the board has voted on a closure. Similar votes happened earlier in the year, but legal challenges slowed the process.

What Happens Next

Visitors were asked to leave the building shortly after the vote. Digital signs showed emergency alerts about the closure.

The situation remains in court. Some board members and lawmakers have opposed the immediate shutdown and name changes. More legal steps are expected.

The Kennedy Center is a major performing arts venue and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Its temporary closing affects shows, staff, and visitors in Washington, D.C.

People can check official updates for any changes or alternative event locations while the main building stays closed for repairs.

An empty theatre with stage lights shining on a bare stage and a single lit candle on a ledge — The closure affects shows, staff, and visitors across Washington, D.C.