February 2, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — the United States’ premier national cultural institution is set to close its doors for approximately two years beginning on July 4, 2026, as part of an ambitious renovation and rebuilding project announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump outlined plans to halt entertainment operations at the Kennedy Center to undertake what he described as “construction, revitalization, and complete rebuilding” of the facility, which has hosted more than 2,000 performances annually since its opening in 1971. The closure is timed to coincide with the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.
Trump who last year replaced much of the Center’s board, named himself chairman, and approved adding his own name to the arts venue said the decision follows a year-long review by “contractors, musical experts, arts institutions, advisors and consultants” who determined that a full closure would produce higher-quality results and faster completion than partial renovations carried out while the building remained open.
“The temporary closure will produce a much faster and higher-quality result,” Trump wrote, claiming the project is fully financed and will turn the facility into a “world-class bastion of arts, music, and entertainment.” He did not provide specific details on the renovation scope or funding sources.
The Kennedy Center, formally established by Congress as a living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy, receives federal funding to support its operations and maintenance. Its mission has traditionally centered on celebrating and promoting the performing arts, including theatre, symphony, opera, and dance.
The announcement has sparked controversy among artists, lawmakers, and cultural figures. Many performers have already canceled scheduled appearances at the venue amid disagreements with recent leadership changes and what critics describe as politicization of the institution’s artistic direction. Several high-profile arts organizations notified the Center of their intent to withdraw or relocate planned productions even before the renovation announcement.
Trump’s broad cultural agenda has seen the Kennedy Center become a focal point of debate over the role of national arts institutions, with some lawmakers arguing that decisions about renaming and closures should involve greater oversight by Congress, which originally chartered the Center’s mission and funding structure.
The two-year closure will pause all performances and events including ballets, operas, concerts, and public programs while work is carried out on the facility. Officials have not yet detailed how existing events might be rescheduled or moved to alternative venues.
As the Kennedy Center prepares to enter a new chapter, observers say the renovation plan marks a significant turning point in how one of America’s most iconic arts institutions will be shaped for generations to come.