The Kennedy Center board of trustees has unanimously voted in favour of a plan to close the arts institution for two years for a $257m renovation project initiated by Donald Trump. The centre said it would pause operations after July's Independence Day celebration, with a grand reopening to follow.
Trump, who has overhauled the board and renamed the venue the Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, said: 'You have to close it ... The best way to do it is close it – do it properly, and reopen and have a grand reopening.' Outgoing president Ric Grenell described the project as 'the fulfilment of that promise'.
The renovation is part of broader civic improvements by Trump, including demolishing the White House East Wing for a ballroom and plans for a Victory Arch near the Lincoln Memorial. Artists including the musical Hamilton cancelled bookings in protest, and the National Symphony Orchestra's executive director departed.
During the closure, the Kennedy Center will become an extension of the White House's cultural agenda. Trump has already hosted the World Cup draw and a documentary premiere there. Grenell, who spearheaded the overhaul, stepped down last week and was replaced by operations chief Matt Floca, confirmed on Monday.
