Summary
Kennedy Center Overview
The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, stands as the city’s premier performance venue, hosting approximately 3,000 performances annually. It serves as the home for the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet, and American Film Institute. The array of performances includes theatre, musicals, dance, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, and folk music, along with youth and family programs and multimedia shows.
Throughout the year, the Kennedy Center hosts world-class festivals and events celebrating the arts from various cultures, including China, Japan, and France. The events also feature international ballet, renowned choreography, and works from celebrated composers such as Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. Additionally, free performances are offered daily on the Millennium Stage, which can be found in the Grand Foyer at 6 p.m.
The center comprises three main theaters: a Concert Hall, an Opera House, and the Eisenhower Theater. Other performance venues include the Terrace Theater, the Theater Lab, and the Millennium Stage. Guests can dine at two on-site restaurants: The Roof Terrace Restaurant and the KC Café. Overlooking the scenic Potomac River, the terrace provides excellent views of both the river and the Georgetown waterfront. Visitors can also explore two gift shops that offer a variety of performing arts-related items, including CDs, videos, artwork, and jewelry.
How to Get to the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is conveniently located at 2700 F. St. NW, Washington, DC, near the Foggy Bottom/George Washington University Metro Station. A short walk via New Hampshire Avenue leads guests to the center. Moreover, visitors can utilize the complimentary Kennedy Center Shuttle, which operates every 15 minutes from 9:45 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends. On-site parking is available for $22 per performance. However, be advised that garage access points may change due to ongoing construction.
Ways to Buy Kennedy Center Tickets
1. Online – Search for a performance
2. At the Box Office – Located in the Hall of States, open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
3. By Phone – Call (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324
4. By Mail – Download a mail order form and send it to Kennedy Center, PO Box 101510, Arlington, VA 22210
Discounts may be available on a first-come, first-served basis through the MyTix program for eligible individuals ages 18-30 and active duty military members. Furthermore, teachers can receive a 15 percent discount.
Free Tours of the Kennedy Center
Visitors have the opportunity to take a free guided tour of the Kennedy Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends. Tours begin at the parking plaza on Level A and include visits to the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, the Center’s main theaters, as well as an exploration of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks throughout the venue.
Kennedy Center Phone Numbers
Information and Instant-Charge: (202) 467-4600
Out-of-Town (Tickets and Information): (800) 444-1324
Hearing Impaired (TTY): (202) 416-8524
Group Sales: (202) 416-8400
Group Sales (Toll-Free): (800) 444-1324
Washington National Opera (Tickets): (202) 295-2400 or 1-800-US OPERA
Washington Performing Arts Society: (202) 833-9800
WPAS Ticket Office: (202) 785-WPAS
The Washington Ballet: (202) 362-3606
Websites
Kennedy Center – www.kennedy-center.org
National Symphony – www.kennedy-center.org/nso
Washington National Opera – www.kennedy-center.org/wno
Washington Performing Arts Society – www.washingtonperformingarts.org
Washington Ballet – www.washingtonballet.org
