The fascinating history of the Kennedy Center

John F. Kennedy (1917–1963)

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is named after the 35th President of the United States. But the Kennedy Center, as it's often referred to, initially went by a different name. 

Acting on an idea

The first lady's idea was to create employment opportunities for out of work actors during the Great Depression.

Edward Durell Stone (1902–1978)

Edward Durell Stone was selected as architect for the project in June 1959. His previous works included the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. 

United States National Cultural Center

As the project started to take shape, Durell invited Kennedy to view a scale model of the proposed United States National Cultural Center in October, 1963.

Name change

After Kennedy's assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill renaming the proposed National Cultural Center the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts at the White House in January 1964. He's pictured handing one of the pens he used to Senator Edward Kennedy. 

Costs spiral

The costs involved in realizing the project had begun to spiral. Fundraising and donations helped to meet the outlay. Stone is pictured with Jean Kennedy Smith, a sister of the late President Kennedy, handing over a check. 

Ground-breaking ceremony

On December 2, 1964, with members of the Kennedy family looking on, President Johnson took part in the ground-breaking ceremony for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

Building work is completed

Excavation of the site got underway in 1965, and was cleared by January 1967. By 1970 much of the construction had been completed. The total cost of the project was US$70 million ($586 million in 2025, adjusted for inflation).

Leonard Bernstein's 'Mass'

'Mass,' a musical theater work by Leonard Bernstein, had been commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy and was previewed to members of Congress before its public performance. The composer is seen with Joan Kennedy, wife of Senator Edward Kennedy. 

Kennedy family take center stage

Kennedy family matriarch Rose Kennedy and Edward Kennedy are pictured in the presidential box applauding during the center's opening gala. 

Inauguration of the Eisenhower Theater

The Eisenhower Theater was inaugurated on October 18, 1971, with a performance of 'A Doll's House' starring English actress Claire Bloom. In 1973, she appeared in the film version alongside Anthony Hopkins.  

Honoring the full spectrum of performing arts

The building lights up in rainbow colors every night during the Kennedy Center Honors event, reflecting the rainbow-colored ribbon hung around the necks of the recipients and representing the full spectrum of the performing arts. 

JFK centennial year

In May of 2016, the center kicked off the JFK centennial year, celebrating the 100th birthday of America's 35th President and honoring his legacy. Pictured is a bust of Kennedy by Robert Berks located opposite the entrance to the Opera House. 

'Art And Ideals: President John F. Kennedy'

'Art And Ideals: President John F. Kennedy,' inaugurated in 2022, is a permanent exhibition dedicated to President John F. Kennedy's relationship with art. 

Trump makes changes

In February 2025, Deborah Rutter was dismissed as Kennedy Center president along with the center's board members after President Donald Trump was made chairman of the organization. Trump replaced the board with political loyalists and named his longtime foreign policy adviser, Richard Grenell, as interim executive director of the storied music, theater, and dance institution. 

Protest and opposition

In the wake of the Trump-led changes, several performers cancelled shows at the iconic Washington venue. These included a growing number of LGBTQ artists and musicians.