History of Kennedy Center in Timeline
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the national cultural center of the U.S., stands as a "living memorial" to John F. Kennedy. Situated on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., it opened in 1971 and showcases diverse performance art genres, including theater, dance, classical music, jazz, and folk. It is also the home of the National Symphony Orchestra.
2 days ago : Kennedy Center Closure Vote Faces Legal Hurdles Amid Trump Renovation Plans.
The Kennedy Center board was scheduled to vote on Trump's proposed closure, but a judge ruled the administration must provide renovation plans. Another ruling allowed a Democratic lawmaker to attend the board meeting.
1933: Eleanor Roosevelt's Idea for a National Cultural Center
In 1933, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt discussed ideas for the Emergency Relief and Civil Works Administration to create employment for unemployed actors during the Great Depression, marking the initial concept for a national cultural center.
1935: Congressional Hearings on Arts Department
In 1935, Congress held hearings on establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Science, Art and Literature and building a monumental theater and arts building on Capitol Hill.
1938: Congressional Resolution for National Cultural Center
In 1938, a Congressional resolution called for the construction of a "public building which shall be known as the National Cultural Center" near Judiciary Square, though it never materialized.
1950: Bill introduced for cultural center
In 1950, U.S. representative Arthur George Klein introduced a bill to authorize funds to plan and build a cultural center, including provisions against discrimination.
1955: Stanford Research Institute commissioned
In 1955, the Stanford Research Institute was commissioned to select a site and provide design suggestions for the cultural center.
September 2, 1958: National Cultural Center Act Signed into Law
On September 2, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Cultural Center Act into law.
1958: National Cultural Center Act of 1958
In 1958, the National Cultural Center Act was authorized, mandating the center's programming be sustained through private funds, establishing a public-private partnership.
1958: National Cultural Center Act signed into law
In the summer of 1958, Congress passed a bill, and on September 4, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Cultural Center Act into law, providing momentum for the project.
January 29, 1959: Establishment of the National Cultural Center Board of Trustees
On January 29, 1959, President Eisenhower established the National Cultural Center Board of Trustees to lead fundraising efforts.
June 1959: Edward Durell Stone selected as architect
In June 1959, Edward Durell Stone was selected as the architect for the National Cultural Center project.
October 1959: Preliminary designs presented
In October 1959, Edward Durell Stone presented preliminary designs and estimated costs of $50 million to the President's Music Committee.
November 1959: Estimated costs escalate
By November 1959, the estimated costs for the National Cultural Center had escalated to $61 million, despite which Stone's design was well-received.
January 1961: Jarold A. Kieffer becomes the first executive director
In January 1961, Jarold A. Kieffer became the first executive director of the National Cultural Center, overseeing fundraising and architectural plans.
December 2, 1964: Groundbreaking Ceremony
On December 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson dug the ceremonial first shovel of earth at the groundbreaking for the Kennedy Center.
1964: Renaming to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
In 1964, following President Kennedy's assassination, the National Cultural Center was renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a "living memorial" to him.
December 11, 1965: Excavation Commences
On December 11, 1965, excavation of the Kennedy Center site got underway.
January 1967: Site Cleared
In January 1967, the site for the Kennedy Center was cleared.
1968: George London Appointed Executive Director
In 1968, George London became the first executive director of the Kennedy Center.
1969: American College Theatre Festival Founded
In 1969, Roger L. Stevens founded the American College Theatre Festival, a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide.
1970: George London's tenure ends
In 1970, George London's time as the executive director of the Kennedy Center came to an end.
June 16, 1971: Congress authorizes appropriations
On June 16, 1971, Congress authorized appropriations for one year to the Kennedy Center's board of trustees for operating and maintenance expenses.
September 5, 1971: First performance at Kennedy Center
On September 5, 1971, the first performance was held at the Kennedy Center with a premiere of Leonard Bernstein's Mass in the Opera House.
September 8, 1971: Kennedy Center Opening
On September 8, 1971, the Kennedy Center officially opened with a formal gala and the premiere performance of Leonard Bernstein's Mass.
September 9, 1971: Concert Hall Inauguration
On September 9, 1971, the Concert Hall was inaugurated with a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antal Doráti.
October 18, 1971: Eisenhower Theater Inauguration
On October 18, 1971, the Eisenhower Theater was inaugurated with a performance of A Doll's House starring Claire Bloom.
1971: Julius Rudel becomes music director
In 1971, Julius Rudel became the music director of the Kennedy Center.
1972: Martin Feinstein replaces George London
In 1972, Martin Feinstein replaced George London as the artistic director, a role he held until 1980.
1974: VSA arts founded
In 1974, Jean Kennedy Smith founded VSA (formerly VSA arts), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.
June 3, 1976: Don Quixote Sculpture Gift
On June 3, 1976, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain gave the sculpture Don Quixote by Aurelio Teno to the United States for its Bicentennial.
December 1976: Mikhail Baryshnikov's The Nutcracker
In December 1976, Mikhail Baryshnikov's version of 'The Nutcracker' was performed at the Kennedy Center for two weeks as part of the United States Bicentennial events.
1977: Annie wins a Tony Award
In 1977, 'Annie', which the Kennedy Center co-produced, won a Tony Award.
1980: Marta Casals Istomin named artistic director
In 1980, Marta Casals Istomin was named the first female artistic director of the Kennedy Center. Until 1980, the daily operations were overseen by the board of trustees.
1987: National Symphony Orchestra becomes artistic affiliate
In 1987, the National Symphony Orchestra became the artistic affiliate of the Kennedy Center.
1990: Marta Casals Istomin's tenure ends
In 1990, Marta Casals Istomin's time as the artistic director of the Kennedy Center came to an end.
1991: Lawrence Wilker becomes the first President
In 1991, Lawrence Wilker was appointed as the Kennedy Center's first President.
1991: Chief Operating Officer position created
In 1991, the Kennedy Center board created the position of chief operating officer, later retitled president. Lawrence Wilker was hired for the position.
1991: Congress recommended allocation of funds
In fiscal year 1991, Congress recommended that $27.7 million be allocated for capital improvement projects at the Kennedy Center, including $12 million for structural repairs to the garage.
1992: Congress recommended allocation of funds
In fiscal year 1992, Congress recommended that $27.7 million be allocated for capital improvement projects at the Kennedy Center, including $15.7 million for structural and mechanical repairs and projects for improving handicapped access.
1993: Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell Founded
Since 1993, Suzanne Farrell has been hosting the Balanchine-inspired intensive Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center.
1994: Billy Taylor appointed Artistic Advisor for Jazz
In 1994, Billy Taylor was appointed as the Artistic Advisor for Jazz at the Kennedy Center. Following his appointment, Taylor created his own radio show, 'Billy Taylor's Jazz at the Kennedy Center', which featured his trio and guest artists, and ran for seven seasons on NPR. The center also initiated numerous performance programs to promote jazz after Taylor's appointment in 1994.
1994: Full responsibility to the Kennedy Center
In 1994, Congress gave full responsibility to the Kennedy Center for capital improvement projects and facility management.
1994: Smithsonian Survey of Sculptures
In 1994, the Smithsonian Institution's Save Outdoor Sculpture! program surveyed the sculptures War or Peace and America at the Kennedy Center and described them as being well maintained.
1995: Federal funds allocated
From 1995, over $200 million of federal funds were allocated to the Kennedy Center for long-term capital projects, repairs, and to bring the center into compliance with modern fire safety and accessibility codes.
1995: Great Vibes, A Salute to Lionel Hampton
In 1995, the Kennedy Center produced 'Great Vibes, A Salute to Lionel Hampton' as part of the center's jazz programs regularly broadcast on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater.
1996: NSO recording wins Grammy Award
In 1996, the National Symphony Orchestra's recording of John Corigliano's 'Of Rage and Remembrance' won a Grammy Award.
March 1, 1997: Millennium Stage Inaugural Performance
On March 1, 1997, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage was inaugurated with a performance by the Charlie Byrd Trio and the Billy Taylor Trio.
1997: Concert Hall Renovation
In 1997, the Concert Hall underwent a renovation that included a high-tech acoustical canopy, handicap-accessible locations, new seating sections, and repositioned Hadeland crystal chandeliers.
1998: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor established
In 1998, the Kennedy Center established the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, awarded annually to individuals who have had an impact on American society similar to Mark Twain.
1998: Jazz Ambassadors program launch
In 1998, the Kennedy Center, in collaboration with the United States Department of State, launched the Jazz Ambassadors program. This program sent musicians on worldwide goodwill tours until 2004.
1999: Webcasting of Millennium Stage performances begins
In 1999, the Kennedy Center began webcasting the performances on the Millennium Stage. These performances are archived and available on the center's website.
2001: Michael Kaiser becomes president
In 2001, Michael Kaiser became the president of the Kennedy Center.
2002: Billy Taylor's 80th Birthday Celebration
In 2002, the Kennedy Center celebrated 'Billy Taylor's 80th Birthday' as part of the center's jazz programs regularly broadcast on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater.
2002: Sondheim Celebration
In 2002, the Kennedy Center produced the Sondheim Celebration, featuring six Stephen Sondheim musicals.
2003: Nancy Wilson, A Career Celebration
In 2003, the Kennedy Center produced 'Nancy Wilson, A Career Celebration' as part of the center's jazz programs regularly broadcast on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater.
2003: Deborah Rutter president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association
Since 2003, Deborah Rutter was the president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.
2004: Michel Legrand with Patti Austin at Festival of France and A Tribute to Shirley Horn
In 2004, Michel Legrand performed with Patti Austin as part of the Kennedy Center's Festival of France. Also in 2004, the center held 'A Tribute to Shirley Horn'. Both events were part of the center's jazz programs regularly broadcast on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater.
2004: American Ballet Theatre's Swan Lake production
In 2004, the American Ballet Theatre's production of 'Swan Lake', choreographed by Kevin McKenzie, was performed at the Kennedy Center.
2004: Tennessee Williams Explored
In 2004, the Kennedy Center presented 'Tennessee Williams Explored', featuring three of Tennessee Williams' classic plays.
June 2005: Swan Lake shown on PBS
In June 2005, the American Ballet Theatre's 2004 production of Swan Lake, choreographed by Kevin McKenzie and taped at the Kennedy Center, was shown on PBS.
2005: VSA affiliated with the Kennedy Center
In 2005, VSA was affiliated with the Kennedy Center.
2005: James Moody's 80th Birthday
In 2005, the Kennedy Center celebrated 'James Moody's 80th Birthday' as part of the center's jazz programs regularly broadcast on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater.
2005: Family Theater Opening
In 2005, the Kennedy Center expanded its public education programs nationwide with the opening of the Family Theater.
2005: Federal funds allocated
Until 2005, over $200 million of federal funds were allocated to the Kennedy Center for long-term capital projects, repairs, and to bring the center into compliance with modern fire safety and accessibility codes.
2006: Mame starring Christine Baranski
In 2006, the Kennedy Center produced 'Mame' starring Christine Baranski.
2007: Carnival! production
In 2007, the Kennedy Center presented a production of 'Carnival!'.
2007: The Lion King and My Fair Lady presented
In the 2007-2008 season, 'The Lion King' and Trevor Nunn's production of 'My Fair Lady' (choreographed by Matthew Bourne) were presented at the Kennedy Center.
October 2008: Eisenhower Theater Reopens
In October 2008, the Eisenhower Theater reopened following a 16-month renovation that altered the color scheme and seating arrangements.
2008: Renovations to the Eisenhower Theater completed
In 2008, renovations to the Eisenhower Theater were completed.
2008: August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle and Broadway: Three Generations
In 2008, the Kennedy Center presented August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle as fully staged readings, along with 'Broadway: Three Generations'.
2008: The Lion King and My Fair Lady presented
In the 2007-2008 season, 'The Lion King' and Trevor Nunn's production of 'My Fair Lady' (choreographed by Matthew Bourne) were presented at the Kennedy Center.
2008: Modern Masters of American Dance Performances
In the 2008/2009 series, the Kennedy Center recognized Modern Masters of American Dance, hosting performances by various dance companies.
2008: Performances for Young Audiences Programming
The 2008–2009 season programming for Performances for Young Audiences reached more than 100 performances for young people and their families and over 110 performances for school audiences. The season included four Kennedy Center-commissioned world premieres: The Trumpet of the Swan, Mermaids, Monsters, and the World Painted Purple, Unleashed! The Secret Lives of White House Pets, and OMAN...O man!.
2009: Benny Golson at 80
In 2009, the Kennedy Center celebrated 'Benny Golson at 80' as part of its jazz programs regularly broadcast on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater.
2009: Ragtime production
In 2009, the Kennedy Center presented a new production of 'Ragtime'.
2009: Modern Masters of American Dance Performances
In the 2008/2009 series, the Kennedy Center recognized Modern Masters of American Dance, hosting performances by various dance companies.
2009: Millennium Stage archives made available
Since 2009, archives of free events performed at the Millennium Stage have been available to the public for free on the Kennedy Center's website.
2009: Performances for Young Audiences Programming
The 2008–2009 season programming for Performances for Young Audiences reached more than 100 performances for young people and their families and over 110 performances for school audiences. The season included four Kennedy Center-commissioned world premieres: The Trumpet of the Swan, Mermaids, Monsters, and the World Painted Purple, Unleashed! The Secret Lives of White House Pets, and OMAN...O man!.
2011: VSA merged into the Kennedy Center
In 2011, VSA was officially merged into the Kennedy Center, becoming part of the center's Department of VSA and Accessibility.
2011: Follies production opens
In 2011, a new production of 'Follies' starring Bernadette Peters opened at the Eisenhower Theater, and later transferred to Broadway.
2012: New Pipe Organ Installed
In 2012, Canadian organbuilder Casavant Frères constructed and installed a new pipe organ in the Concert Hall.
2013: Expansion project commenced
In 2013, the Kennedy Center started a 60,000-square-foot expansion project on four acres in the center's South Plaza.
September 2014: Deborah Rutter becomes president
In September 2014, Deborah Rutter became the third president of the Kennedy Center. She was the first woman to hold that post, replacing Michael Kaiser.
December 2014: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Expansion Project
In December 2014, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Kennedy Center expansion project.
2014: Deborah Rutter becomes the third president
In 2014, Deborah Rutter became the Kennedy Center's third president, the first woman to hold this position.
2015: Robert Van Leer Appointed
In 2015, Deborah Rutter appointed arts executive Robert Van Leer to assist with leadership and expansions.
2015: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett perform as part of Cheek to Cheek Tour
In 2015, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett performed at the Kennedy Center as part of their Cheek to Cheek Tour.
June 8, 2016: Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play! Transfer Announcement
On June 8, 2016, it was announced that the Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences-commissioned musical Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play!, with book and lyrics by Mo Willems and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, transferred to the Off-Broadway New Victory Theater in January 2017.
January 2017: Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play! Transfer
On June 8, 2016, it was announced that the Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences-commissioned musical Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play!, with book and lyrics by Mo Willems and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, transferred to the Off-Broadway New Victory Theater in January 2017.
September 7, 2019: Opening of The REACH
On September 7, 2019, the expansion, entitled the REACH, opened with an opening arts festival.
2019: Opening of the Kennedy Center Extension
In 2019, an extension to the original Kennedy Center building, designed by Steven Holl, was opened.
2020: Design Awards for the REACH
In 2020, the REACH received design awards, including The Architect's Newspaper's Best of the Year Award in the Cultural category and an Honor Award in the 2020 AIA New York Design Awards.
September 14, 2021: The Kennedy Center at 50 Concert
On September 14, 2021, 'The Kennedy Center at 50', a concert to celebrate the center's 50th anniversary, was held.
October 1, 2021: The Kennedy Center at 50 aired on PBS
On October 1, 2021, 'The Kennedy Center at 50' concert was broadcast on PBS. The event was hosted by Audra McDonald and featured opening remarks by first lady Jill Biden.
2021: Artists-in-Residence Named
In 2021, the Kennedy Center's artists-in-residence included the hip-hop group the Roots, author Jacqueline Woodson, composer Carlos Simon, and pianist Robert Glasper.
September 2022: Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy Exhibit Opened
In September 2022, the permanent exhibit Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy opened. It is dedicated to President John F. Kennedy's relationship with art.
February 10, 2025: Appointment of Richard Grenell
On February 10, 2025, Donald Trump appointed Richard Grenell as interim executive director, criticized the center's drag and LGBTQ programming, and vowed to set the performance slate. He dismissed the appointed board members and appointed his own, who elected him as chair on February 12.
February 2025: Deborah Rutter dismissed as president
In February 2025, Deborah Rutter was dismissed as president of the Kennedy Center shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump became chairman of the organization.
December 5, 2025: 2026 FIFA World Cup draw hosted
On December 5, 2025, the Kennedy Center hosted the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
December 7, 2025: Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honors
On December 7, 2025, President Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, the first time a U.S. president has hosted the event.
December 18, 2025: Kennedy Center Renamed
On December 18, 2025, the Kennedy Center board voted to rename the center as The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, or the Trump-Kennedy Center. The board cited no legal authority to rename the center, which is legally named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
2025: Kennedy Center Honors hosted by Donald Trump
In 2025, Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, marking the first time a sitting or former U.S. president hosted the event. Trump stated he was heavily involved in selecting the honorees and made controversial remarks during his speech.
2025: Dismissal of Board of Trustees
In 2025, President Donald Trump dismissed the Kennedy Center's board of trustees and appointed new members, electing himself chairman and proposing to add his name to the center.
2025: American College Theatre Festival Suspends Affiliation
In 2025, the American College Theatre Festival announced that it had ended its partnership with the Kennedy Center due to decisions that did not align with the organization’s values.
2025: Board Bylaws Revised
In May 2025, the Kennedy Center board revised its bylaws to allow only trustees appointed by Trump to vote, excluding the board's 23 ex officio members.
January 9, 2026: Washington National Opera Announces Departure
On January 9, 2026, the Washington National Opera announced its departure from the Kennedy Center. Artistic director Francesca Zambello cited collapsed box office revenue and shattered donor confidence since Trump's takeover as the primary reasons for the decision.
January 16, 2026: Venue Officials Refer to the Center as Trump Kennedy Center
On January 16, 2026, venue officials began referring to the center as the Trump Kennedy Center. Additionally, a satirical website using the domain name www.trumpkennedycenter.org was posted by Toby Morton.
February 2026: Renovation Announcement
In February 2026, Trump announced the Kennedy Center would close on July 4, 2026 for two years of renovations. He also announced restoration of the building's exterior marble, interior chairs.
February 2026: Announcement of Closure for Renovations
In February 2026, after a drop in ticket sales and artists canceling performances, President Trump announced that the Kennedy Center would close for two years of renovations starting in July 2026.
July 4, 2026: Kennedy Center Closing Announcement
In February 2026, Trump announced that the Kennedy Center would close on July 4, 2026, for a two-year renovation. He stated his belief that the renovated Trump Kennedy Center would be the finest performing arts facility in the world.
July 2026: Closure for Renovations
In July 2026, the Kennedy Center closed for two years of renovations, as announced by President Trump.
2026: Center Leaders Unable to Sign Enough Acts
In February 2026, it was reported that the Kennedy Center's new leaders had been unable to sign enough acts to mount a 2026-27 season. This announcement disrupted long-planned schedules and forced arts organizations to seek new venues.
2026: Proposed Renaming of Opera House
In July 2026, Republicans on the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies amended the 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies spending bill to include a clause that would rename the Kennedy Center Opera House to "Melania Trump Opera House".
2026: Kennedy Center to host draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Kennedy Center is scheduled to host the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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