Washington, DC's John F. Kennedy Center: The Capital of Performing Arts

A visit to Washington, DC, is always filled with wonderful sites and amazing entertainment. Historic landmarks and national treasures can be found around every corner in the nation's capital and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is no exception.

About the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center is designated as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy for his vision and love of the arts. Construction on the building began in 1965, and the doors were officially opened on September 8, 1971. The Center added an air of culture to Washington, DC, which was known for nothing more than politics in that time. Highlights of the theater's performances include the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein's Mass, the production of Pippin, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Royal Ballet, Bolshoi Opera and Ballet, Les Miserables, Annie, La Scala Opera Company, and much more. The center remains true to President Kennedy's vision by offering a large variety of theater, musicals, dance and other performances and presenting more than 3,000 performances each year. Programs include ballet, dance, educational programs, Fortas Chamber music concerts, Etcetera, jazz, festivals, awards, banquets and galas, and more.

Festivals at the Kennedy Center

Annual festivals take center stage at the center throughout the year. The festivals celebrate the arts in various regions of the world and include the San Francisco Festival, the Texas Festival, France Danse, Festival Australia, the Arts of Japan, the Kennedy Center African Odyssey, Art of the State: Israel at 50, The Prelude Festival, AmericArtes, The Tchaikovsky Festival and many more. Kennedy Center is also home to the National Symphony Orchestra. The award winning orchestra presents hundreds of concerts each year as well as themed festivals.

Education at the Kennedy Center

Not just a place to enjoy and experience the arts, the Kennedy Center is committed to the education of youth, teachers and families about the arts. Each year the center offers performances, professional development, teaching resources, courses, school and community initiatives and touring productions to assist in education throughout the country. The Millennium Stage is the most recognized portion of the center's education program. Each evening at 6:00 pm the Millennium Stage presents Performing Arts for Everyone, a free program in the Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer. Performances range from classical, folk, blues and Irish music to tap, jazz, and international dance programs.

Whether you are a performing arts expert or are new to the world of performing arts you'll appreciate the grace and beauty of this building and the amazing performances presented here. Taking in a show at the Kennedy Center will be the icing on the cake for your visit to Washington, DC, and after having experienced it you'll feel as if this national treasure truly does belong to each and every American.