Washington, D.C. – The Kennedy Center revealed photos on Saturday showing a partial ceiling collapse in the main hallway that occurred during a rainstorm. The damage, officials said, underscores the urgent need to close the 50‑year‑old performing‑arts complex for extensive renovations.
Board cites neglect, backs President Trump’s renovation plan
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the Center, said the incident highlights “the urgent need to close for renovation and revitalization, as our Chairman President Donald Trump has championed.” She added that the structural failure stems from “decades of neglect and deferred maintenance by the previous leadership” and that further delays are unjustifiable.
The board, chaired by President Trump, voted in August to shut the facility for two years while a $250 million renovation plan moves forward. The plan includes structural repairs, modernization of technical systems, and aesthetic upgrades intended to restore the Center as a premier national cultural venue.
Legal battles over naming and ownership
In May, a federal judge ordered that President Trump’s name be removed from the official title after the board attempted to rename the venue “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” President Trump responded on Truth Social, asserting his commitment to reviving the institution and warning that the “Radical Left Democrats” care more about opposing him than preserving the arts.
Last month the board approved renaming the grounds “President Donald J. Trump Plaza” and adding signage that reads “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump.” The board continues to fight in court to implement the name changes, the closure, and the $250 million renovation budget.
Community opposition and concerns
Grace Terpstra, founder of the community group Keep the KC, warned that the board may use the collapse to push a broader shutdown, saying it could “fall on everybody.” She expressed fears that the incident will be framed as evidence that the entire institution is failing.
Since June, a tarp and scaffolding have covered the building’s front after bronze letters bearing President Trump’s name were removed. The Center also recently removed a modern sculpture titled “Blue,” stating it was honored to have stewarded the late artist Joel Shapiro’s work.
What’s next?
The board’s plan hinges on securing congressional support and finalizing the legal challenges surrounding the name changes. If approved, the two‑year closure would begin later this year, with the Center reopening in 2029 after a comprehensive overhaul.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
