Kennedy Center to Keep Public Areas Open While Revising Renovation Plans After Court Blocks Full Closure

The Kennedy Center said it will continue to operate its public areas after July 5, the date originally set for a two-year closure for renovations, following a federal judge’s order blocking the shutdown. In a filing on Friday, the venue’s lawyers indicated the institution will "maintain an operational model," meaning visitors can still use common spaces while most stages remain unused.

"The Court's order did not affirmatively require the Board to reschedule programming that had previously been canceled or to seek new programming," the lawyers wrote.

The court’s May ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper also required the removal of former President Donald Trump's name from the building, a directive the Center has complied with. The Center’s management will present three renovation scenarios to its board for a vote expected in mid-July: a complete closure, a partial closure allowing limited public access and programming, or a series of phased closures targeting critical infrastructure while preserving a full schedule of events.

Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio board member who sued over the original plan, argued that the Center has not fully obeyed the court order, citing a tarp covering the area where Trump's name had been displayed and the lack of a plan to resume programming. Beatty’s attorneys warned that without restoring performances, the Center could effectively close despite the judge’s injunction.

The Center indicated that final renovation recommendations are still under review and that a board decision will be made in July.