Kennedy Center to Close for 2-Year Renovation

Unanimous board vote proceeds with Trump-backed plans despite lawmaker's objections.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted unanimously on Monday to close the arts complex for two years to proceed with a major renovation project backed by President Donald Trump, who serves as the center's chairman. The closure plan is being challenged in court by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), an ex officio board member who warns the ultimate goal may be to tear down the institution.

Why it matters

The Kennedy Center is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in the nation's capital, hosting a variety of performing arts events. The planned closure and renovation has sparked concerns about the center's future and whether the project is being driven by political motivations rather than artistic or practical needs.

The details

The board's vote, taken at a meeting at the White House, will allow the Kennedy Center to move forward with Trump's announced plans to close the complex for two years to speed up the renovation project. Rep. Beatty, who was granted an emergency court order to attend the meeting and express her opposition, has filed a lawsuit challenging the closure plan, arguing it may be a pretext to ultimately demolish the arts institution.

  • The board vote took place on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • Rep. Beatty won an emergency court order on Saturday, March 14, 2026 to attend the meeting.

The players

Kennedy Center

A prominent performing arts complex in Washington, D.C. that hosts a variety of cultural events.

Donald Trump

The current chairman of the Kennedy Center's board of directors and the former President of the United States.

Rep. Joyce Beatty

A Democratic Congresswoman from Ohio who is an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center's board and has filed a lawsuit challenging the closure plan.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in Rep. Beatty's lawsuit will decide whether to block the Kennedy Center's closure plan.

The takeaway

The planned closure of the Kennedy Center has raised concerns about the future of the prominent arts institution and whether the renovation project is being driven by political motivations rather than artistic or practical needs.