We are watching as Donald Trump destroys the most treasured and historic parts of our city. We couldn’t stop the destruction of the East Wing but we have to stop them from destroying the Kennedy Center. Imagine driving in from VA to DC and seeing a big hole where it used to be. Imagine never seeing the beautiful chandeliers in the opera house again or never being able to show them to your child for the first time. The Kennedy Center doesn’t just bring us the best of the arts, it brings our community together with an emphasis on free and accessible events. These are dark times, everything feels urgent, and we’re exhausted but we just cannot let them do this. Hands around the Kennedy Center is Friday 6:30-8:00pm. (more…)
Thanks to J. for sending: “I haven’t seen any explanation for its removal.”
“The Kennedy Center introduces Joel Shapiro’s “Blue”.
Joel Shapiro’s sculptures explode with the exuberance of youth. Their simple rectangles are assembled like stick figures that magically come alive.
Blue is poised in mid-kick, turning the surrounding landscape into a giant stage as it prepares to pirouette across the grass.
Shapiro spent two years in India in the Peace Corps, where he was inspired by the integration of art and culture. His sculptures are installed in scores of cities around the world. They achieve the goal set centuries ago by Egyptian and Greek sculptors—to endow base materials with movement and spirit of life.
Blue is located by the Video Wall at the REACH.”
From the National Park Service:
“Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, the National Park Service will implement a temporary closure of the northbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW from September 2, 2026 at 6:00am, to September 2, 2026, at 1:00pm. The exact times are subject to change based upon the evolving schedule of the events. Closures and public use restrictions will be delineated in the map below and as further delineated by U.S. Park Police presence, and other physical barriers.
Specifically, there will be temporary closure and restricted public access to the northbound lanes of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, with blockades at the E St on-ramp, at the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and Parkway Dr NW, which would direct traffic from Ohio Dr SW to Parkway Dr NW, and at the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and F St NW. The restricted areas are depicted in the enclosed map (see below).
These temporary closures and restrictions are at the request of The Kennedy Center for the removal of the “Blue” Statue on The Kennedy Center grounds. A crane will occupy the northbound lanes of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway in order to remove the statue. These closures ensures the safety of the crew removing the statue and the public. Less restrictive measures and means are unavailable in the removal of the statue based on its location.(more…)
“Just saw this shuttle with updated signage! Share the good news!”
Thanks to Andrew for sending (and other have been talking about) this “group set up a live stream of the Kennedy Center to monitor the Trump name removal.” (more…)
Seen near Foggy Bottom Metro, June 9. Was there not a court order to get rid of Trump’s name?”
CNN reported: “For now, the large lettering on the building’s facade still features “Donald J. Trump.” But the Kennedy Center’s general counsel said in a memo to staff that they have until June 12 to remove it to comply with the court order.”
“The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close for roughly two years to allow for extensive renovations, President Donald Trump said Sunday, a move that comes as the nation’s preeminent arts institution contends with a flood of cancellations.”
Read Trump’s full announcement from Sunday: (more…)
“On Thursday, January 29, 2026, several special events will be hosted at the Trump Kennedy Center in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with this event, there will be parking restrictions and street closures that motorists should take into consideration:
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., the following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking: (more…)
“Washington National Opera, as a leader in opera, seeks to inspire, connect, and enrich our community, shape the future of opera, and illuminate the American and human experience. We tell timeless stories with programming that excites, entertains, engages, and educates. We are committed to diversity and balance – presenting classic, contemporary, and American works – to broad local, national, and international audiences.”
As Washington National Opera begins its 70th anniversary year, the Board and staff have made the difficult decision to seek an end to our 15-year Affiliation Agreement with the Kennedy Center. We will be moving our performances to new venues as we return to operating as a fully independent entity.(more…)
I’ve got a question that I was hoping to get some help on, and might benefit others as well. We’ve always enjoyed going to see the NSO at the Kennedy Center, but since March we haven’t gone back. This Christmas we received some gift certificates from well meaning family members that we don’t know what to do with now. I understand that the money is already spent, but (more…)
“I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, (more…)
photo by Olaf Zerbock
photo by 
