Kennedy Center head warns staff of cuts and ‘skeletal’ staffing during renovation closure - AP News
AP News
February 15, 2026
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Kennedy Center President Michael Marts has informed staff that significant cuts and reduced staffing will occur during a two-year renovation closure set to begin in 2023. The center, a major cultural institution in Washington, D.C., is undergoing extensive renovations aimed at modernizing facilities and enhancing programming. However, the shutdown will temporarily halt all performances, exhibitions, and public events, leading to financial challenges and workforce adjustments.
In a memo shared with employees, Marts outlined plans for layoffs, furloughs, and reduced operating hours during the closure. The staffing level during this period is expected to be minimal, with only essential personnel required to maintain facilities and support operations. This approach reflects the center’s efforts to manage costs while preparing for its重新开放后的 ambitious vision.
The renovation project, which will transform key spaces like the concert hall and exhibition galleries, is a long-awaited modernization effort. However, the closure poses significant challenges for both staff and audiences. Employees face uncertainty about their roles and job security, while patrons may experience disruptions to accessing cultural programming during this time.
This situation highlights broader challenges faced by cultural institutions when balancing facility improvements with operational continuity. The Kennedy Center’s approach underscores the difficult trade-offs between innovation and workforce stability, raising questions about how similar organizations will navigate their own renovation projects in the future.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/15/2026