Kennedy Center asks judge to pause deadlines in ongoing lawsuit as it explores options for renovation
The center is weighing a full shutdown, partial closure or phased repairs as a federal judge orders it to stay open.
- On Friday, Kennedy Center lawyers asked a federal judge for more time to meet lawsuit deadlines, stating the institution plans to "maintain an operational model" after the initially scheduled July 5 shutdown.
- Last month, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper indefinitely blocked the Kennedy Center's planned full closure, ruling that a complete shutdown would prevent the venue from carrying out its congressionally mandated activities.
- The Board is evaluating three renovation paths: complete closure, limited events, or phased repairs, with Kennedy Center leaders expecting to present options for a vote in mid-July.
- While the Center intends to keep public spaces accessible, management is not currently committing to scheduling new shows or hiring additional staff despite the court's operational mandate.
- Attorneys for Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, argue the Center has not fully complied with the court's order, citing the continued presence of a tarp covering the area where Trump's name was removed.
53 Articles
53 Articles
Trump administration says it's considering 'partial closure' of Kennedy Center despite judge's order
The judge had asked the administration to share more details by a Friday deadline about these planned renovations and scheduled programming at the center for after the previously planned closure date.
Democrat Slams Tarped Kennedy Center As "Lifeless Husk"
While Kennedy Center officials consider the extent of planned renovations, the arts facility will remain open, at least for the time being. But don’t expect any new programming in the immediate future. In a Friday night court filing, Kennedy Center executive director Matt Floca listed three options expected to be presented to the center’s board […]
Kennedy Center eyes ‘partial closure’ after judge blocks full shutdown for renovation
The Trump administration told a federal judge Friday that the Kennedy Center may be looking at a "partial closure," even as a previous ruling required the performing arts center to stay open, effectively blocking it from shutting its doors for a two-year renovation.
Dem who sued to remove Trump's name from Kennedy Center now says venue becoming 'lifeless husk' in fresh fight
Those in charge at the Kennedy Center have been accused by Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, of purposely allowing the Washington, D.C., venue to languish into a "lifeless husk" by not resuming regular shows and programming.Beatty, an ex officio board member of the Kennedy Center, initially filed the lawsuit against President Donald Trump in December 2025, when the board decided to install signage displaying his name alongside Kennedy's on the building…
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