Kennedy Center to Close for Two-Year Renovation, Upending Artists and Audiences

President Trump announced a two-year shutdown of the Kennedy Center starting in July for a major renovation, triggering shock and anxiety among workers, performers, and subscribers as the center seeks venues for performances and works to preserve audience engagement during construction. Officials say they will help relocate the National Symphony Orchestra and other productions, but the hiatus risks losing staff, donors, and momentum, with several booked shows and questions remaining about future scheduling.