US EditionInside the Kennedy Center as it prepares for a 2-year renovation
Officials say the project will repair water intrusion and corroded steel while keeping most public spaces open to patrons.
- Kennedy Center Matt Floca led a media tour on Wednesday to defend closing the performing arts institution for two years, citing severe structural damage and the need for extensive repairs.
- President Donald Trump, who describes the facility as "tired, broken, and dilapidated," initiated the $257 million renovation to address significant water intrusion and outdated equipment plaguing the structure.
- Officials displayed evidence of rusting steel beams and crumbling fireproofing, while a 30-year-old Potomac River pump room has not functioned for 30 years, demonstrating the necessity of a total overhaul.
- Although the Kennedy Center will close for two years with bare-bones staffing, officials acknowledged patrons may notice minimal physical changes to the building's aesthetic upon reopening despite extensive internal upgrades.
- The project positions the Kennedy Center as a focal point of Trump's broader effort to reshape United States cultural institutions, though it remains unclear if further presidential tributes will be added.
63 Articles
63 Articles
The Billings Gazette
Kennedy Center officials pledge more transparency
WASHINGTON — Officials at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are promising greater transparency about sweeping taxpayer-funded renovations of the Washington landmark, which have come under scrutiny after President Donald Trump added his name to the building and named…
Hastings Tribune
Photos show a media tour of the Kennedy Center ahead of renovations
WASHINGTON, DC (AP) — The Kennedy Center is poised to undergo major renovations, with President Donald Trump calling it “tired, broken, and dilapidated.” Matt Floca, the new executive director, led journalists through the building on Wednesday, highlighting water damage and…
Video exposes disrepair lurking beneath Trump Kennedy Center as $257M renovation looms
Trump Kennedy Center officials released photos documenting decades of deferred maintenance, including exposed rebar and rusted infrastructure, as part of a $257 million repair effort.
Newly appointed Kennedy Center leader says two year closure was his idea as arts center officials defend dramatic move
President Donald Trump’s newly-appointed head of the Kennedy Center offered a full-throated defense of the decision to close the renowned arts institution for renovations for two years, telling reporters on Wednesday that it was his idea.
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