Kennedy Center says it isn't required to reschedule shows after judge blocks 2-year closure

Key Points:

• The Kennedy Center is not committing to scheduling new shows or increasing staff as it explores alternatives to a full two-year closure initially planned for renovations, following a federal judge's blockage of the closure.
• In a court filing, Kennedy Center lawyers stated the venue will maintain an operational model after July 5, keeping public spaces accessible but with limited or no programming on stage.
• The center is considering multiple renovation options, including a complete closure, partial closure with limited programming, or phased closures addressing critical infrastructure while maintaining a full slate of events; a board vote on these options is expected in mid-July.
• Rep. Joyce Beatty and her legal team argue the Kennedy Center has not fully complied with the court order, citing the continued presence of a tarp covering removed Trump-era signage and the lack of efforts to resume programming, which they say amounts to an effective shutdown despite the ruling.
• The dispute follows a May ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper that blocked the center's planned closure and ordered the removal of Trump's name from the building, challenging actions taken by a board dominated by Trump's allies.