Kennedy Center closes for repairs

Kennedy Center trustees voted on Tuesday to close most of Washington’s performing-arts venue for repairs, and fencing was placed around the main building. The centre then announced a temporary safety shutdown. A federal judge ordered advance notice before any major physical change after Trump raised the possibility of demolition.

• 2 yearsBoard-approved repair closure duration — Trustees voted Tuesday
• 30 daysNotice required before major changes — Includes any demolition
• $257 millionCongressional allocation for repairs — Funding cited by Trump
• 7 daysInitial temporary closure period — May be extended

Q1

What safety problems were identified?

Officials cited deterioration in the roof terrace canopy and a partial ceiling collapse earlier this month as reasons for stopping access.

Q2

Who sought court intervention?

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex officio trustee, requested an emergency hearing and challenged the closure after fencing went up.

Q3

What money is available for repairs?

Congress allocated funds for repairs, but Trump linked renovation funding to permission to add his name to the building.

Q4

What did the earlier court order do?

In May, Judge Cooper required Trump’s name to be removed from the building, setting up the dispute over later changes.