The Kennedy Center’s board of trustees voted unanimously on Monday to move ahead with a controversial proposal to temporarily close the iconic arts venue for renovations.
The decision clears the way for a $257 million project first set in motion by Donald Trump, aimed at reshaping the institution as part of a broader vision for Washington’s cultural and civic landscape.
In a statement, the center said it had approved “a comprehensive revitalization project” that will span two years. The timeline places the start after the Independence Day celebrations in July, with “a grand re-opening to follow.”
It added that the decision to pause operations would “allow for the most comprehensive and efficient renovation effort, setting the stage for a revitalized national cultural and entertainment complex for all Americans to enjoy.”
Outgoing president Ric Grenell said the plan reflects a broader goal, noting, “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.” He added, “What comes next will be worth the wait.”
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Trump’s broader push to reshape Washington has already included plans to tear down the White House’s East Wing to make way for a 100,000 sq ft ballroom, set to be called the White House State Ballroom. The Rose Garden has also been dug up to create a more entertainment-friendly space, designed so guests do not have to worry about their heels sinking into the grass.
The proposals also include building a massive “Victory Arch” near the Lincoln Memorial and
Arlington National Cemetery. At the White House, there have been discussions about replacing the current front entrance columns with more elaborate Corinthian-style designs.
As the trustees’ meeting got underway, Trump made his position clear, saying, “You have to close it.” He added that while the decision rested with the board, there was broad agreement on the approach. “I think everybody agrees, but subject to board approval, we determined that the fastest way to bring the Trump-Kennedy Center to the highest level of beauty and grandeur is to cease the entertainment operations for a two-year period of time as we complete really high quality construction,” he said.
He went on to argue that a full shutdown was the most effective route, noting, “The best way to do it is close it – do it properly, and reopen and have a grand reopening. When it’s finished, it’s going to be far better than it was when it was originally built.”
As the trustees’ meeting got underway, Trump made his position clear, saying, “You have to close it.” He added that while the decision rested with the board, there was broad agreement on the approach. “I think everybody agrees, but subject to board approval, we determined that the fastest way to bring the Trump-Kennedy Center to the highest level of beauty and grandeur is to cease the entertainment operations for a two-year period of time as we complete really high quality construction,” he said.
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He went on to argue that a full shutdown was the most effective route, noting, “The best way to do it is close it – do it properly, and reopen and have a grand reopening. When it’s finished, it’s going to be far better than it was when it was originally built.”
Trump has announced a leadership change at the Kennedy Center, saying Ric Grenell will step down and be replaced by Matt Floca, the center’s vice-president of operations. Grenell, a longtime Republican foreign policy adviser, had overseen sweeping changes at the institution, moves that led several artists to distance themselves from the venue.
Sharing the update on social media, Trump thanked Grenell for the “outstanding work he has done” while confirming Floca as his successor. Floca was seen in December overseeing the addition of Trump’s name to the center’s facade. The transition comes as the Kennedy Center prepares to shut its doors this summer for a two-year renovation.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Matt Floca joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024, during the Biden administration. At the time, a press release from the center described him as “an experienced facilities management professional with a construction management background and an appreciation for whole building design principles,” as per The Guardian.