The Kennedy Center is a vibrant campus of theaters and other artistic spaces that is also a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy and a must-see tourist stop in Washington, DC. Order tickets, watch video of amazing performances, explore our education programs and find out how you can support us by visiting our website.
A Leader John F. Kennedy was inaugurated the 35th President of the United States in 1961 after narrowly defeating the Republican candidate, Vice President Richard Nixon. He was, at age 43, the youngest man ever elected President. He brought youth, glamor, and optimism to the White House, but he took office during a challenging time for the country.
Welcome to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a vibrant cultural hub that connects thousands of artists with millions of people each year — in person, online, and in their home communities.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - Our Story
Explore the calendar of performing arts events at the Kennedy Center. Filter by genre, discount offers, and accessible performances or just browse chronologically.
Presenting over 2500 performing arts shows and events each year, the Kennedy Center is a must-see destination in Washington, DC. We are the nation's cultural center and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Explore our expanded campus, including the REACH, a modern new performing arts space. Enjoy FREE performances every day and many sights and activities that don't require a ticket.
Kennedy valued the power of language to enlighten and inspire. He was not only a talented orator, but he was a life-long reader and the author of several books and essays. As a boy, Kennedy “gobbled books” according to his mother. He was often ill and took comfort in adventure books by authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling, and J.M. Barrie. Kennedy attended college ...