Kennedy Center Board Votes to Shut Main Building for 2 Years — and Add Trump’s Name to Facade

The board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has voted to close its main building for a two-year renovation, targeting a grand reopening in the summer of 2028. Under the approved plan, the facility's adjacent Reach extension will remain open to maintain limited artistic programming and preserve memorial functions dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.

Alongside the shutdown, the board also approved an inscription to be placed directly beneath the facility's main exterior signage, reading: "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump."

Judge holds final say on shutdown

The planned closure is not yet final, as it remains subject to approval by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper. Judge Cooper previously stepped in to halt an earlier attempt to close the national cultural centre, ruling that the board's prior vote had been ill-informed and appeared preordained.

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex officio member of the board, had previously filed a lawsuit against the Kennedy Center challenging both the closure and the renaming initiatives.

Cost analysis and $250 million overhaul

The board's latest vote followed a review by outside consulting firm Delta Consulting Group. The firm concluded that attempting to keep the primary facility open while carrying out construction work would drive costs significantly higher.

The broader overhaul is budgeted at an estimated $250 million, supported by $257 million that Congress appropriated for repairs and upgrades under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Key components of the extensive construction project include comprehensive structural repairs, the installation of new marble flooring, and $11.8 million in specialized acoustical improvements. As part of the major interior work, the centre will also temporarily relocate its historic 3,000-pound bronze bust of John F. Kennedy until renovations are completed.