kennedy center Archives - TPR: The Public's Radio

A general view shows the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC on January 10, 2026. Two lawsuits are calling to halt the closure of the Center for renovations. Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio trustee, is also asking for the removal of President Trump's name from the Center, an act that was not approved by Congress. Since the name change, artists have cancelled performances and ticket sales have declined.

NPR

‘Fool me once…’ Lawyers argue Kennedy Center should not meet same fate as the East Wing

by Elizabeth Blair April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Lawyers made arguments in hearings for two separate lawsuits against President Trump and the Kennedy Center’s board this week. Both lawsuits want to halt plans to close the performing arts venue for two years for renovations.

A photo provided by the Kennedy Center shows staining on the exterior of the building. "Improper installation traps moisture behind stone panels, causing staining and internal corrosion," the Kennedy Center said. "Panels and granite paving slabs will be replaced with corrected drainage systems."

NPR

Kennedy Center leaders offer behind-the-scenes tour to explain need for closure

by Elizabeth Blair April 22, 2026April 23, 2026

President Trump says the Kennedy Center must close for renovation. Members of Congress and two lawsuits contend the real reason is mismanagement, artist cancellations and declining ticket sales.

Satirist Bill Maher is this year's recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Maher will receive the award at the Kennedy Center on June 28th. The show will stream on Netflix at a later date.

NPR

Bill Maher is getting the Mark Twain Prize after all

by Elizabeth Blair March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

There was confusion about whether the satirist would be getting the Kennedy Center’s top humor award after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called it “fake news.” Now it’s confirmed.

A view of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in February. On Monday, a group of eight architecture and culture groups filed a federal lawsuit against President Trump and the arts complex's board to halt a planned renovation.

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8 architecture and culture groups sue Trump and the Kennedy Center board

by Anastasia Tsioulcas March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

The groups, which include the American Institute of Architects, are asking for compliance with historic preservation laws and to secure approval from Congress.

Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell attends the world premiere of Amazon MGM Studios' "Melania" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

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Kennedy Center president departs – months before the art complex’s scheduled closing

by Anastasia Tsioulcas March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump announced Friday afternoon that Richard Grenell is leaving the Kennedy Center. The arts complex is scheduled to close in July for renovations.

From left: first lady, best in show, Tina — or is that Milo?

NPR

What does the CIA not want you to know? The quiz has the secret

by Holly J. Morris February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Plus: ambiguous mascots, rodents with hard-to-spell names, and three boring photos of buildings.

President Trump arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday after returning from a trip to Florida. He says he will move to close the Kennedy Center for two years for renovations.

NPR

Kennedy Center to close for 2 years for renovations in July, Trump says

by The Associated Press February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

President Trump says he will move to close Washington’s Kennedy Center for two years. It follows a wave of cancellations since Trump ousted the previous leadership and added his name to the building.

A recently installed sign at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center on Jan. 10. The renaming of the center has not been approved by Congress. under the performing arts complex' A general view shows the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC on January 10, 2026. The Washington National Opera announced on January 9 that it would move its performances from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts which has been its home since 1971. Artists have cancelled performances at Washington's premier performing arts center to protest its renaming to include US President Donald Trump. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)

NPR

More staff shakeups at the Kennedy Center

by Anastasia Tsioulcas January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

The departures include Kevin Couch, who was announced as the Kennedy Center’s senior vice president of artistic planning less than two weeks ago.

A general view of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 10, 2026. Artists have cancelled performances at Washington's premier performing arts center to protest its renaming to include US President Donald Trump.

NPR

Here’s who’s canceled their Kennedy Center performances since Trump took over

by Ivy Buck January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

The Martha Graham Dance Company is just the latest to say they will no longer perform at the Kennedy Center since Trump took over last year.

Natalie Cole and music producer Nolan Williams, Jr. with the Let Freedom Ring Celebration Choir at the Kennedy Center in January 2015.

NPR

MLK concert held annually at the Kennedy Center for 23 years is relocating

by Elizabeth Blair January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Georgetown is moving Let Freedom Ring, its annual event celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., to the historic Howard Theatre in order to save money, the university said.