John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts facts for kids
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Kennedy Center seen from the Potomac River
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 John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts
Location in Central Washington, D.C.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts
Location in the United States
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| Address | 2700 F Street, NW |
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| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Coordinates | 38°53′45″N 77°03′21″W / 38.8957°N 77.0559°W |
| Public transit |  Washington Metro   at Foggy Bottom–GWU Metrobus |
| Owner | United States government |
| Operator | John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts David Rubenstein, Chairman Deborah Rutter, President |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Capacity | Concert Hall: 2,465 Eisenhower Theater: 1,161 Family Theater: 320 Jazz Club: 160 Millennium Stage: 235 Opera House: 2,347 Terrace Theater: 490 Theater Lab: 398 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | December 2, 1964 |
| Opened | September 8, 1971 |
| Architect | Edward Durell Stone |
| Structural engineer | Severud Associates |
| General contractor | John McShain |
| Tenants | |
| National Symphony Orchestra Washington National Opera |
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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, often called the Kennedy Center, is the national cultural center of the United States. It sits on the eastern bank of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.. This famous building was named in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, who was sadly assassinated.
The Kennedy Center first opened its doors on September 8, 1971. It hosts all sorts of amazing performances, like plays, dance shows, orchestra concerts, jazz, pop, and folk music. It's a special place where the government and private groups work together to bring arts to everyone. The center also runs many educational programs.
The main building was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone. It was built by John McShain. In 2019, a new part called The REACH, designed by Steven Holl, was added. The Kennedy Center gets money from the government to help with building upkeep. It also relies on ticket sales and gifts to fund its programs.
Contents
- Discovering the Kennedy Center's History
- Inside the Kennedy Center: Architecture and Art
- Where the Magic Happens: Performance Venues
- What You Can See: Productions and Programs
- Dance: Grace and Movement
- Public Education: Learning Through Arts
- Festivals: Celebrating Cultures
- Jazz: A Lively Tradition
- National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
- Performing Arts for Everyone (PAFE)
- Artist Residencies: Creative Collaborations
- Theater: Plays and Musicals
- Kennedy Center Honors: Celebrating Legends
- Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
- VSA: Arts for All Abilities
- Keeping the Center Modern: Renovations and Expansion
- Images for kids
Discovering the Kennedy Center's History
The idea for a national arts center started way back in 1933. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt thought it could help unemployed actors during the Great Depression. Over the years, different plans came up, but nothing was built.
In 1950, a new bill was introduced to create a cultural center. It said that no one should be treated unfairly, whether they were performers or audience members. Finally, in 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law to start the National Cultural Center project.
This was a big deal because it was the first time the U.S. government helped pay for a building just for performing arts. Architect Edward Durell Stone was chosen in 1959. His design was liked by many, even though it was more expensive than first thought.
After President Kennedy's death, the National Cultural Center was renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1964.
Raising Money for the Arts Center
Raising money for the center was a challenge at first. But President John F. Kennedy was very keen on bringing culture to Washington, D.C. He asked Roger L. Stevens to lead the fundraising. Stevens got First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower to help too.
The whole building cost $70 million. The U.S. Congress gave $43 million. Many people and groups also donated. For example, the Ford Foundation gave $5 million, and the Kennedy family gave about $500,000. Even other countries helped! Italy gave 3,700 tons of beautiful Carrara marble for the building.
Building the Dream: Construction Begins
President Lyndon B. Johnson officially started the construction on December 2, 1964. The site was cleared by early 1967.
The very first show was on September 5, 1971. It was a special performance of Leonard Bernstein's Mass. The official opening gala happened on September 8, 1971, with the same show. The Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater all opened with grand performances in the following weeks.
Inside the Kennedy Center: Architecture and Art
The Kennedy Center was designed by Edward Durell Stone. The building is 100 feet tall, 630 feet long, and 300 feet wide. It has a huge Grand Foyer that is 630 feet long and 63 feet high. This foyer features 16 beautiful crystal chandeliers from Sweden and red carpets.
The Hall of States and the Hall of Nations are also very long corridors, each 250 feet long and 63 feet high. Some people have criticized the building's location and size. But many praise its great sound quality and the lovely terrace overlooking the Potomac River.
Acoustics expert Cyril M. Harris designed the sound for the auditoriums. Since many planes fly over the Kennedy Center from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the building was designed like a "box within a box." This helps keep out airplane noise, making sure the performances sound perfect inside.
In 2019, a new expansion called The REACH opened. It was designed by Steven Holl and adds more space for performances and learning.
Artworks to Explore
Outside the main entrance, you'll see two large artworks by German sculptor Jürgen Weber. These were a gift from West Germany. One is called War or Peace, showing scenes of conflict and harmony. The other is America, which shows Weber's ideas about the United States, including freedom and technology.
Another sculpture, Don Quixote by Aurelio Teno, is also on display. It was a gift from the King and Queen of Spain in 1976 for America's 200th birthday.
Where the Magic Happens: Performance Venues
The Kennedy Center has three main theaters where most of the big shows happen: the Concert Hall, the Opera House, and the Eisenhower Theater.
Concert Hall: Home of the Orchestra
The Concert Hall is the biggest performance space, seating 2,465 people. It's where the National Symphony Orchestra performs. It was updated in 1997 with better sound and seating. The beautiful crystal chandeliers in this hall were a gift from the Norwegian government. In 2012, a new pipe organ was added.
Opera House: Grand Performances
The Opera House is in the middle of the center and has about 2,347 seats. It's known for its red velvet walls and a special red and gold silk curtain, which was a gift from the Japanese government. The sparkling crystal chandelier here was a gift from Austria. This is the main place for opera, ballet, and large musicals. It's also where the annual Kennedy Center Honors are held.
Eisenhower Theater: Plays and More
The Eisenhower Theater, named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, seats about 1,161 people. It's mainly used for plays, musicals, and smaller opera or dance shows. It has a special orchestra pit that can be changed into more seating. This theater was renovated in 2008.
Other Exciting Performance Spaces
The Kennedy Center has many other cool places for shows and events:
- Justice Forum is a lecture hall at The REACH for films and presentations.
- Millennium Stage offers free performances every day at 6:00 pm! You can see all kinds of artists, from dancers to jazz musicians. These shows are also streamed live online and saved so you can watch them later.
- River Pavilion is a flexible space at The REACH with great views of the Potomac River.
- Room PT-109 is a meeting space at The REACH, overlooking a reflecting pool.
- Skylight Pavilion at The REACH has a vaulted ceiling and glass skylights, perfect for events.
- Studio F, Studio J, and Studio K are multipurpose rehearsal rooms at The REACH, used for various events and even as the Kennedy Center Jazz Club.
- The Family Theater, which opened in 2005, has 320 seats and is designed for younger audiences.
- The Terrace Theater has 490 seats and was a gift from the people of Japan. It's used for chamber music, ballet, and theater.
- The Theater Lab has 399 seats and has been home to the play Shear Madness since 1987!
Rooftop Terraces: Amazing Views
The Kennedy Center has open-air rooftop terraces that are free for everyone to visit from 10:00 am to midnight. From here, you can see amazing views of the Potomac River, the Lincoln Memorial, and other famous Washington, D.C. landmarks.
What You Can See: Productions and Programs
The Kennedy Center is a hub for many different types of performances and educational programs.
Dance: Grace and Movement
The center often commissions new ballet and dance works from famous choreographers. It also supports dance programs for young people, like "Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell." Many top American dance companies perform here, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The center is also known for its yearly production of the ballet “The Nutcracker.”
Public Education: Learning Through Arts
The Kennedy Center has many programs to help young people learn through the arts.
Theater for Young Audiences
This program offers many performances for kids and families, and also for school groups. They often create new plays and musicals, sometimes based on popular books.
National Symphony Orchestra for Young Audiences
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has special concerts for kids, like "Teddy Bear Concerts" for preschoolers. They also connect music with school subjects like science and math.
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
This program helps college theater students and departments across the country. It lets them show their work and get feedback, helping to improve college theater in the U.S.
Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA)
CETA helps teachers learn how to use the arts in their lessons. It works with schools to make arts a key part of every child's education.
Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell
This is a three-week summer ballet program for young dancers aged 14–18. They learn from Suzanne Farrell, a famous ballerina, and get to experience the culture of Washington, D.C.
Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy
This permanent exhibit, opened in 2022, shows how art was important during President John F. Kennedy's time in the White House.
Festivals: Celebrating Cultures
The Kennedy Center hosts festivals that celebrate cultures from around the world. These festivals include performances, visual arts, and food. Past festivals have explored the cultures of Japan, Arab countries, and India.
Jazz: A Lively Tradition
The Kennedy Center has been a big supporter of jazz music since it opened. It has hosted many famous jazz artists and rising stars. Dr. Billy Taylor was the Artistic Advisor for Jazz for many years. The center also has educational programs for young jazz musicians.
National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
The National Symphony Orchestra is a key part of the Kennedy Center. They perform many concerts and also travel to different states to perform and teach. The NSO has won awards for its recordings.
Performing Arts for Everyone (PAFE)
The Kennedy Center is special because it offers a free performance every single day of the year on its Millennium Stage. This program, started in 1997, aims to make the arts available to everyone. You can watch these performances live or later on the center's website. PAFE also helps make tickets affordable for other shows.
The Conservatory Project
This event showcases talented young musicians in classical, jazz, musical theater, and opera from top colleges and universities.
Artist Residencies: Creative Collaborations
The Kennedy Center invites artists to work with its groups and programs. They have artists-in-residence for composing, education, and culture. Current artists include The Roots and author Jacqueline Woodson.
Theater: Plays and Musicals
The center has helped create over 300 new plays and musicals, including many Tony Award-winning shows like Annie and Les Misérables. It also brings back classic plays and musicals for new audiences.
Kennedy Center Honors: Celebrating Legends
Since 1978, the Kennedy Center has given out the Kennedy Center Honors each year. Five artists or groups are celebrated for their amazing contributions to American culture and performing arts.
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Since 1998, the Kennedy Center has given the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to people who have made a big impact on American society through comedy, just like the famous humorist Mark Twain.
VSA: Arts for All Abilities
VSA is an international organization that helps people with disabilities learn through and enjoy the arts. It was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith, President Kennedy's sister. VSA works to make sure everyone has access to the arts. It became part of the Kennedy Center in 2011.
Keeping the Center Modern: Renovations and Expansion
Over the years, the Kennedy Center has been updated to keep it safe and modern. From 1995 to 2005, over $200 million was spent on repairs and improvements, including updating the Concert Hall and Opera House.
More recently, a big expansion project called The REACH was completed in 2019. This project added 60,000 square feet of new space for classrooms, rehearsals, and performances. It includes three new buildings, reflecting pools, and a lawn for outdoor shows. The REACH helps the Kennedy Center offer even more programs and welcome more visitors.
Images for kids
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Pedestrians walking on the rooftop terrace that covers the lower walkway.
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Rose Kennedy and Ted Kennedy in the presidential box during the center's opening gala on September 8, 1971
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The Millennium Stage in 2019
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The entrance at dusk.
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