The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts is reevaluating its plans for a full-scale renovation and closure after a federal judge blocked the initial proposal. The center's leadership is now exploring three options, including staying open during construction or implementing a phased closure. No new programming has been scheduled as of yet.
Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in May that the Kennedy Center's board failed in its fiduciary duties by approving the closure without proper consideration of its statutory responsibilities. The judge also ordered the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the building, which had been added under a board dominated by his allies. The center was initially set to close on July 6, 2026, but Cooper's ruling halted those plans.
In a Friday court filing, Kennedy Center lawyers stated that the institution is not obligated to reschedule canceled shows or expand staffing. The center plans to maintain public access to its spaces, though stages may remain largely inactive. The board will vote on the three proposed renovation options in mid-July.
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex-officio board member who filed the lawsuit, argued that the Kennedy Center has not fully complied with Cooper's order. While Trump's name has been removed, the center's leadership continues to assess its next steps.
The three options under consideration include:
- A complete closure for renovations.
- A partial closure allowing limited programming in unaffected spaces.
- A phased closure addressing only the most critical infrastructure needs while maintaining full programming.
The center's executive director, Matt Floca, will present these options to the board in mid-July for a final decision.