Kennedy Center Submits Three Renovation Options to Board After Court Blocks July Closure and Orders Name Removal

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper on June 19 outlining three renovation options for the performing arts center. The filing, submitted on a Friday night, listed a full closure with no public programming, a partial closure allowing limited access to unaffected spaces, and phased closures that would permit a full schedule of events.

Floca stated that management will continue to allow public access to the building for now. The Kennedy Center board is scheduled to consider the three options in mid-July. The center also houses an extensive JFK exhibit as part of its memorial to the late president.

Last month, Judge Christopher Cooper blocked the Kennedy Center’s planned closure that had been set to begin July 5. In the same ruling, the judge ordered the Trump administration to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the building, finding that the board had failed in its fiduciary duties by rubber-stamping the renovation proposal.

The Trump administration complied with the order last week.

Scaffolding remains in place along part of the building’s side, constructed to allow pedestrian access beneath it. Opponents who filed the lawsuit noted the continued presence of the tarped scaffolding, describing it as appearing semi-permanent. No further programming has been scheduled at the center.