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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Theaters and music

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The national cultural center of the United States and the only official memorial to President John F. Kennedy in Washington, DC, featuring world-class opera, dance, and drama.

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John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
www.kennedy-center.org, og_image_www.kennedy-center.org

What is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts known for?

It is the national cultural center of the United States and serves as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. It is the only official memorial to the President in Washington, DC.

What kind of performances can I see there?

The Center presents a year-round program of dance, drama, opera, and both classical and contemporary music from the United States and other countries.

How much does it cost to attend performances?

The Center offers a wide range of performances, including frequent free or low-cost options.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, by mail, or at the box office.

Where is it located?

It is located at 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20566, on the eastern bank of the Potomac River.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts serves as the national cultural center of the United States. Opened on September 8, 1971, this institution functions as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy and stands as the only official memorial dedicated to him within Washington, DC. Situated on the eastern bank of the Potomac River, the center is a vibrant cultural hub that connects thousands of artists with millions of people annually. Its mission focuses on presenting a year-round program of classical and contemporary music, opera, drama, and dance sourced from both the United States and other countries. The facility houses a diverse array of venues to accommodate different artistic scales. These include the massive Concert Hall with a capacity of 2,465 and the Opera House which holds 2,347 guests. For more intimate settings, the center operates the Jazz Club with 160 seats and the Theater Lab with 398 seats, alongside the Eisenhower Theater, Family Theater, Millennium Stage, and Terrace Theater. Beyond high-profile productions, the Kennedy Center emphasizes accessibility through frequent free or low-cost performances. It further serves the community by running educational and outreach programs designed to reflect the cultural diversity of the United States.

Visitor tips

  • Check the schedule for free or low-cost performances to experience the arts without a major expense.
  • Tickets for major shows can be purchased online, by phone, by mail, or directly at the box office.
  • Allow several hours to explore the different venues and the scenic views along the Potomac River.

Nearby context

Located at 2700 F St. NW on the eastern bank of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center anchors the city's cultural waterfront, providing a scenic transition between the urban center and the river's edge.

Sources

Evidence and links