Washington, D.C. – Residents and commuters should expect traffic disruptions on Wednesday as the Kennedy Center begins removal of its iconic Blue statue, a project overseen by President Donald Trump’s administration. The sculpture, which has stood at The Reach—a $250 million expansion of the Center—since 2019, will be lifted by crane early in the morning.
Why the statue is going
While the Kennedy Center has not issued an official explanation, internal documents obtained by the New York Times indicate the removal was planned for the early weeks of President Trump’s second term. Since taking control of the cultural institution, the President has replaced its leadership, appointed himself chairman, and continues to push for a name change on the building.
Impact on local traffic
The National Park Service has announced that the northbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m. on September 2, 2026. The E‑Street on‑ramp will also be blocked, diverting vehicles onto Ohio Drive SW. Park Police and temporary barriers will manage the flow, and drivers are urged to follow posted signage and consider alternate routes.
These closures are necessary to ensure the safety of the removal crew and the public. The agency notes that less restrictive measures are unavailable given the statue’s location on the parkland adjacent to the Parkway.
Community response
Some local residents have expressed disappointment over the loss of the Blue sculpture, which they say has become a beloved part of the Kennedy Center’s landscape. Others recall the removal of a stand‑of weeping willow trees last October, which the Center cited as a safety hazard due to decay. The Center has promised to replace the trees, though a timeline has not yet been provided.
What to expect after the removal
Following the statue’s removal, the Kennedy Center plans to assess the site for potential new artwork or landscaping that aligns with President Trump’s vision for the venue. The Center’s website continues to celebrate the work of the late artist Joel Shapiro, describing his sculptures as “explosions of youthful exuberance” and noting that Blue was poised “in mid‑kick, turning the surrounding landscape into a giant stage.”
Commuters should monitor local news outlets and the National Park Service’s website for any updates to the closure schedule, as timing may shift based on the progress of the removal operation.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
