Kennedy Center Announces Layoffs Ahead of Planned 2-Year Closure

The performing arts institution will begin staffing reductions to prepare for a major renovation project.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:03pm

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The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. has announced that it will begin laying off employees as it prepares to close for a two-year renovation project starting in July 2026. In an email to staff, the center's executive director, Matt Floca, said the 'difficult staffing decisions' are necessary to 'meet the realities of this time at the Center'.

Why it matters

The Kennedy Center is one of the most prominent performing arts venues in the United States, hosting a wide range of concerts, plays, and other events. Its planned closure and renovation will significantly impact the local arts and culture scene in Washington, D.C. for an extended period.

The details

According to the email from Floca, the Kennedy Center will 'begin executing the difficult staffing decisions that support the broader operational changes required' for the upcoming closure and renovation project. The email did not specify how many employees would be affected by the layoffs. A Kennedy Center spokesperson said the staffing decisions 'will support the broader move toward a successful closure for renovations'.

  • The Kennedy Center will close on July 4, 2026 for a two-year renovation project.
  • The layoffs of Kennedy Center employees will begin in the coming weeks ahead of the closure.

The players

Matt Floca

The executive director of the Kennedy Center, who announced the upcoming layoffs in an email to staff.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who announced the Kennedy Center would close for renovations and be renamed after himself and John F. Kennedy.

Ric Grenell

The former CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center, who was recently replaced by Matt Floca.

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What they’re saying

“We will begin executing the difficult staffing decisions that support the broader operational changes required to meet the realities of this time at the Center.”

— Matt Floca, Executive Director, Kennedy Center

“It is my sincere intention that each personnel action be carried out with consideration and care.”

— Matt Floca, Executive Director, Kennedy Center

What’s next

The Kennedy Center's board of directors will need to finalize plans for the two-year renovation project and determine the full scope of staffing reductions required ahead of the closure.

The takeaway

The upcoming closure and renovation of the iconic Kennedy Center will have significant impacts on the Washington, D.C. arts and culture community, including through the announced layoffs of center employees. This marks a major transition for one of the nation's premier performing arts venues.