Design and Construction Report staff writer
The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. is set to close for a two-year renovation.
“From day one, our mission was to make the Trump Kennedy Center a place every American could be proud of, and this renovation is the fulfillment of that promise,” said newly-appointed Center Ambassador Richard Grenell. “I am grateful to Chairman Trump for his visionary leadership and to the board of trustees for their support. What comes next will be worth the wait, and I am confident that Matt Floca will oversee this next chapter with the dedication and excellence this center deserves.”
The closure comes after President Donald J. Trump secured $257 million from Congress to address decades of deferred maintenance. The board said the temporary pause will allow the most comprehensive and efficient renovation in the center’s history, positioning it as a revitalized national cultural and entertainment complex.
President Trump released new conceptual renderings last week, sharing two images of what he described as the “new, highly improved Trump Kennedy Center” on his social media platform, showing plans for a big renovation and reconstruction of the performing arts complex.
“President Trump and Ambassador Grenell set a bold new course for the Trump Kennedy Center, and today’s unanimous vote sets the stage for an exciting new chapter,” said Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations. “This project will transform the center into a world-class destination worthy of the nation’s legacy and future — a landmark where every American is welcome to experience artistic excellence and premier entertainment.”
The board said the renovated center will reopen as a modern, state-of-the-art venue reflecting both its historic significance and its role as a premier destination for the performing arts.
