John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall along the Potomac River. It was originally to be called the National Cultural Center when President Dwight Eisenhower signed the bipartisan act in 1958 to create a Center for classical and contemporary performances as well as educational programs for the arts.
President Kennedy was well known for his support and promotion of the arts and was active in fundraising for the National Cultural Center. When he was assassinated in 1963, Congress designated the Cultural Center as a “living memorial” to Kennedy and renamed it the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Today the Kennedy Center is stage to operas, ballets, plays and other musical and theatrical art performances throughout the year. The Center created an artistic center for Washington D.C. which rivals that of New York’s Broadway. Tickets for performances go on sale about 2 months before their opening night. To purchase tickets and find out about upcoming performances call 202-467-4600.
