Kennedy Center board votes to immediately close main building over safety, financial concerns
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is set to close its main building immediately following a board vote driven by safety concerns and ongoing legal disputes. The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, comes less than two weeks after a partial ceiling collapse during a rainstorm, which highlighted what officials called urgent renovation needs.
The board’s vote to close the facility was described by President Donald Trump as "almost unanimous," with the closure taking effect right away. However, the timeline for actual reconstruction is tied to a legal battle over the proposed use of Trump’s name on the building or its grounds. Trump noted that renovation work will wait until the D.C. Circuit Court rules on the dispute, and he announced that Justice Department attorneys will seek an expedited appeal.
This legal conflict stems from a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who blocked the board from renaming the Kennedy Center or its grounds to "President Donald J. Trump Plaza," stating that such memorials require congressional approval. The board intends to appeal this decision, according to Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations.
Safety was a central factor in the closure vote. The ceiling incident involved a slab from the Grand Foyer that fell roughly 60 feet and weighed more than 150 pounds. Trump emphasized the danger, pointing out that a security guard had passed the area just one minute before the collapse, narrowly avoiding what he described as "certain death." Daravi reinforced this, saying the board’s decision "reflects sound judgment and a clear prioritization of safety above all else." She added that the center remains "committed to pursuing a safe and efficient renovation through all legal means" and called the needed repairs "long overdue and desperately needed to protect the safety of patrons, artists and staff."
To support the center during this period, Trump announced that $17 million he raised has been deposited into the Kennedy Center’s account "to keep it afloat." The closure’s duration remains unclear, and how Tuesday’s court ruling might affect the situation is still unknown.
The Kennedy Center has faced criticism in the past, including allegations about contractor bids, but the focus now is on addressing structural risks and navigating the legal hurdles. As the story develops, updates are expected on the appeal process and the center’s future plans.