Kennedy Center Warns of Cuts, 'Skeletal' Staffing During Renovation

Center president says departments will function on a 'much smaller scale' during two-year closure

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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As the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. prepares to close for a two-year renovation, the center's president has warned staff about impending cuts that will leave 'skeletal teams' in place during the closure and construction phase. In a memo, Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell said departments will 'function on a much smaller scale' and some units will be 'totally reduced or on hold' until the center reopens in 2028.

Why it matters

The Kennedy Center is a preeminent showcase for theater, music, and dramatic performances in the nation's capital, enjoying bipartisan support until the Trump administration took over leadership of the center last year. The planned renovations and staffing cuts during the closure raise concerns about the center's ability to maintain its status and programming during the hiatus.

The details

Grenell's memo said department heads will be 'evaluating the needs and making the decisions as to what these skeletal teams left in place during the facility and closure and construction phase will look like.' He promised to 'provide as much clarity and advance notice as possible' to staff. The Kennedy Center currently employs nearly 2,500 people, according to a 2025 tax filing, but it's unclear how many jobs will be affected by the cuts.

  • The Kennedy Center is slated to close in early July 2026.
  • The renovations are expected to last until the center reopens in 2028.

The players

Richard Grenell

The president of the Kennedy Center who warned staff about impending cuts and 'skeletal teams' during the two-year renovation closure.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who announced plans for the Kennedy Center renovation and ousted the center's leadership a year ago, adding his own name to the building in December.

Kennedy Center Arts Workers United

A union that represents artists and arts professionals affiliated with the Kennedy Center.

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What they’re saying

“This renovation represents a generational investment in our future. When we reopen, we will do so as a stronger organization — one that honors our legacy while expanding our impact.”

— Richard Grenell, President, Kennedy Center (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Kennedy Center has not yet provided details on whether long-running traditions like the Mark Twain Award for comedy or the honors ceremony for lifetime contributions to the arts will continue during the two-year closure.

The takeaway

The planned staffing cuts and renovations at the Kennedy Center raise concerns about the center's ability to maintain its status and programming during the two-year closure. The center's leadership will need to carefully manage the transition to ensure the Kennedy Center can reopen in 2028 as a 'stronger organization' that honors its legacy while expanding its impact.