Kennedy Center
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I’m surprised there isn’t a thread already about the Kennedy Center closing for 2 years. In DC, heads are exploding over it…
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/us/politics/kennedy-center-trump-construction.html
https://www.ms.now/opinion/trump-kennedy-center-shutdown-renovations-autocracy
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-kennedy-center-is-dead-to-the-worldand-dead-to-me/
But what people are ignoring? Yeah, the place needs a major renovation. Karla and I went to a show last night, and the place is just sad. It’s also a horrible concert hall. I know from C&A rentals to the place that the infrastructure is dilapidated and outdated, but replacing the infrastructure is very difficult due to the nature of the building and the restrictions built in. It certainly is not what I would expect for the premier performing arts center for the nation’s capitol.
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If it's just closing for renovation without the renaming, heads would not be exploding, you may even see a lot more support for the renovation. The totally unnecessary renaming evaporated most of the goodwill and attracted new animosity.
So ... did you and Karla took a selfie with the Center's new name in front of the building? It may look very different after the renovation, it may only look like this with the new name for only a few months, and the current look is therefore historic.
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For once I agree with Ax. The renaming was stupid, as is removing the Indian signage at some national parks and monuments. Just dumb and unnecessary. I can easily believe that a building from 1971 is in need of major renovation. I just hope it doesn't end up all gold.
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Not entirely accurate. Yes, the renaming is ridiculous and obviously trolling. But it was a direct response due to the response to the new Kennedy Center’s board’s removal of shows that were overtly political. That’s when heads started exploding, and then you started having acts renege and cancel their shows. Then it became a pissing match.
