Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., extends closure to September 30, 2026, over safety hazards

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has been closed since September 15, 2026, after a piece of ceiling fell, raising safety concerns. The Trump administration initially said the closure would last seven days, but executive director Matt Floca extended it to at least September 30, 2026, citing hazards like deteriorating ceilings and water damage. The closure is part of a dispute over the center's leadership and name, with President Trump trying to rename it. Former employees claim officials knew about structural issues for years and halted repairs despite having $257 million in funds. Protests have occurred, and a judge has blocked attempts to change the name.