U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, February 1, to plan the closure of Washington cultural institution, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts for reconstruction, announced news agency Reuters.
Located on the eastern bank of the Potomac River, the center opened its doors in 1971, paying tribute to former President John F. Kennedy. It is the largest cultural venue in the Federal capital with some 2,000 yearly performances, spanning theater, ballet, modern dance, classical music, jazz and pop. It also offers dining options and a striking view from its terrace over Washington D.C..
The Opera House is at home there, offering approximately 2,347 seats while the Concert Hall has capacity for 2,465 people. The Concert Hall is also home to the National Symphonic Orchestra.
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts has seen the name of Donald Trump added to its title. In fact, since Donald Trump has been elected, the cultural institution has been marked by turmoil. The U.S. President appointed himself as chairman and reshaped the organization’s focus. In return, many groups and artists subsequently withdrew from scheduled performances, citing the Republican leader’s takeover. The Washington National Opera announced last month to plan to leave the venue.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump announcement of renovating the center, will mean a closure at least two years. Reuters reported that the center will close on July 4, on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur, is to cease Entertainment Operations for an approximately two year period of time, with a scheduled Grand Reopening that will rival and surpass anything that has taken place with respect to such a Facility before,” Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.
In-between Washington D.C. will lose one of its most prestigious cultural venues…
(Source : Reuters)
