Kennedy Center renovation tour

NPR | By Elizabeth Blair

Published April 22, 2026 at 4:38 PM EDT

President Trump announced the Kennedy Center will close for two years beginning July 4th. He says the building is in bad shape and needs repairs. Members of congress and two lawsuits contend the real reason is mismanagement, artist cancellations and declining ticket sales.

Elizabeth Blair

Elizabeth Blair is a Peabody Award-winning senior producer/reporter on the Arts Desk of NPR News.

See stories by Elizabeth Blair

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