Kennedy Center to close for two years with venue set for $200m refurbishment

• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts board unanimously voted to close the venue for two years for renovations.
• The closure, set to begin after 4 July, is intended to allow for sweeping updates, including replacing the heating system and marble, with the president stating it is the best way to properly complete the work.
• The project is estimated to cost around $200million, less than the $250million Congress approved last year for upgrades.
• Democrats, including board member Rep. Joyce Beatty, have criticised the process as unlawful and suggested the closure is partly a distraction from issues since the president took over the centre.
• The vote follows the announcement that interim leader Richard Grenell was stepping down, with Matt Floca named as the new executive director, amidst previous changes where the president replaced leadership with allies and installed himself as chairman.

IN FULL

Trump’s Kennedy Center board approves his plan to shutter institution for two years of renovations