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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Performing Arts Venue, Theater, and Concert Hall
Washington
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9.5/10
1,522
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Travel + Leisure and The Telegraph
    • Travel + Leisure
    • The Telegraph
  • Tips
    The Ritz-Carlton
    "Don't miss the daily performances at 6pm on Millennium Stage."(10 Tips)
    Camille W.
    "Beautiful building with free shows in the summer."(7 Tips)
    Andrea C.
    "Free tours."(4 Tips)
    Tone
    "Excellent free scenic views of the city and the river."(22 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon172 Tips and reviews
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  • Y.Arman B.heart icon on user image
    Y.Arman BarlasFebruary 15, 2017
    We saw Phantom here. The grounds are themselves nice fora visit, with nice views of the Potomac River and Georgetow.
    Upvoted 2 weeks ago
  • WorldStrides
    WorldStridesApril 8, 2011
    The Grand Foyer is 60ft high and 630ft long, making it one of the largest rooms in the world. If you were to lay the Washington Monument on its side in the Grand Foyer, you’d still have 75ft to spare.
  • The Ritz-Carlton
    The Ritz-CarltonJuly 29, 2015
    Don't miss the daily performances at 6pm on Millennium Stage. Afterwards, enjoy stunning views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge & Air Force Memorial from the terrace.
    Upvoted 2 weeks ago
  • Tamara G.heart icon on user image
    Tamara GDecember 16, 2016
    I saw Wicked, it was amazingly awesome! I also learned about the Millenium Stage, I'll definitely check out something there.
  • The Ritz-Carlton
    The Ritz-CarltonNovember 4, 2013
    Discover beautiful paintings, sculptures,& artwork within this performing arts venue with one of the Kennedy Center’s free daily tours. You’ll also find great views of the Potomac on their terrace.
  • Leonda L.heart icon on user image
    Leonda LevchukApril 7, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Pre-order your drinks and they will be waiting during intermission. If not, go all the way to the left and the lines are shorter. Don't forget to tip!
  • Patricia T.heart icon on user image
    Patricia ThompsonAugust 7, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    I have been to countless plays, musicals, and concerts over the years. No seat in any of the houses is terrible and there's always an adorable price point for every person at every show!
  • Nita S.heart icon on user image
    Nita SmileyfaceMarch 25, 2016
    It's a beautiful building. Free events on Sundays at 6pm on The Millennium Stage. Also, free tours of the center.
  • Regi C.heart icon on user image
    Regi CApril 2, 2017
    Love it 😍 the Center is amazing and all the performances are awesome 👏🏽
  • Oliver L.heart icon on user image
    Oliver LewisDecember 16, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    A wonderful venue for all types of musical performances. This historic site is conveniently located and offers views of the city, the Potomac, and restaurants on site.
  • Martin S.heart icon on user image
    Martin SlusarzFebruary 1, 2016
    Spectacular venue for music, plays and opera. Restaurant choices are wide and offer a quick way to have a nice meal and avoid another place. Arrive early. Departure from nearby parking slow.
  • Ана Л.heart icon on user image
    Ана ЛековићFebruary 17, 2017
    If it's giving you creeps to try to come here by foot, there is a red and free shuttle 🚌 departing from Foggy bottom metro exit to the front of this center, running regularly I suppose.
  • Lenny G.heart icon on user image
    Lenny GalloJuly 13, 2019
    Worth seeing any show here just to experience this wonderful space. Make sure to go out on the terrace and check out the view.
  • Steve D.heart icon on user image
    Steve DahlgrenJuly 22, 2015
    Skip the concessions here and carve out an extra 20 minutes and get pre-theatre cocktails 4 blocks away at The River Inn. Ask for the barman Keith for a memorable cocktail.
  • Ahmed S.heart icon on user image
    Ahmed SahraouiJune 7, 2018
    The view, the space, the poeple... I like all of that!
  • Derek J.
    Derek JonesSeptember 14, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    There is no need to buy a ticket to enjoy the wonderful architecture. Walk around the building to enjoy beautiful artwork, facades, and vistas.
  • IWalked Audio Tours
    IWalked Audio ToursSeptember 8, 2012
    17-acres. Busiest arts facility in US w/over 2000 performances annually. Original design was intended to emulate Watergate Complex's curves but removed due to cost constraints.More site info via<LINK> Read more
  • Toneheart icon on user image
    ToneDecember 31, 2014
    Excellent free scenic views of the city and the river. Free wifi in the cafe upstairs. Great place to see cultural performances.
  • Tim F.heart icon on user image
    Tim FAugust 16, 2015
    A classic DC destination. Visit the Millennium Stage if you want to get a taste of the experience without paying through the nose.
  • The White House
    The White HouseDecember 4, 2012
    President Obama and the First Lady celebrated the 2012 Kennedy Center Honorees, including Buddy Guy, Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Natalia Makarova, and Led Zeppelin. Read more
  • Amy C.heart icon on user image
    Amy CummingsApril 22, 2018
    Be sure to check out the roof terrace before or after your show!
  • Nicole S.heart icon on user image
    Nicole StahleckerJuly 19, 2016
    You can come here for drinks on the terrace even if you're not seeing a show - amazing view of DC. But try and go to a show!!
  • Travis M.heart icon on user image
    Travis MillerDecember 21, 2018
    Multiple theaters, shops, food, all with a great atmosphere! Make sure you know which theater your show is in.
  • Merrie D.
    Merrie D.October 9, 2011
    Go to one of their free tours! You get to see all three historical theatres, the president's boxes and the incredible pieces of art all around. Fun & knowledgeable tour guides.
  • The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    Avoid intermission bar lines by filling out your drink order before the show. Your beverage will be waiting for you as soon as you step out into the lobby! See the bartender for more info.
  • Scope E.heart icon on user image
    Scope Enterprise LabsAugust 25, 2018
    Has shows all the time. It is a nice clean place for people to hang out with friends or with the family.
  • Nikhil
    NikhilOctober 19, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    be the terrace in evenings, potomac/georgetown for picturesque clicks or planes passing by every single minute words simply can't describe kencen! being here is nothing to loose but soul's exercise :)
  • Richard C.heart icon on user image
    Richard CassemApril 8, 2016
    Try to arrive during the day on a weekday or before 1:00 PM on Friday, so you can get a guided tour. Otherwise, the self-guided tour is OK.
  • Roger U.heart icon on user image
    Roger UnderhillMarch 9, 2015
    Free shows at 6pm most nights, they are free but use mass transit to get there as the parking will set you back $23!
  • Cathy H.
    Cathy HenryMay 24, 2014
    The Bolshoi Ballet Company is performing Giselle & it's a fabulous performance!!!!!
  • Caitlin L.heart icon on user image
    Caitlin LawlerAugust 5, 2015
    Beautiful opera house, with great outside views. Arrive early before shows to listen to the free band
  • C-SPAN
    C-SPANJuly 15, 2011
    The Kennedy Center, which first opened in 1971, has 9 stages, 2 of which are Millennium Stages located in the Great Foyer that house free performances every day of the year. Watch video for more info. Read more
  • Dwayne K.
    Dwayne KilbourneApril 15, 2013
    One of D.C.'s best and biggest performing arts locations! Add this to your list of to-do's and thank me later!
  • The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    Create an account at kennedy-center.org and choose your favorite performance genres to receive emails with news, discount offers, and more! https://www.kennedy-center.org/account/login/
  • Marcus S.heart icon on user image
    Marcus SmalleganJuly 17, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    If you would like to see Book of Mormon (running through 8/18/13) there are $25 standing room tickets on a first come first serve basis; most seats have been sold out!
  • The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    Want the VIP treatment? Become a Kennedy Center Member and get special benefits like Ticket Priority, Access to Lounges, Gift Shop and Restaurant Discounts, and more! Read more
  • The Telegraph
    The TelegraphMarch 12, 2013
    7pm: Hop back in a taxi and head to the John F Kennedy Center (kennedy-center.org/index.cfm) for drama, opera or music. Don’t miss the breezy roof deck overlooking the Potomac River.
  • Andres F.heart icon on user image
    Andres FalconerFebruary 4, 2016
    Can't be missed. Must come as often as possible. Great free performances in the halls.
  • Jared C.heart icon on user image
    Jared CampbellNovember 23, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Well worth becoming a member. Don't miss the scenic view of Virginia.
  • Eduardo M.
    Eduardo M. EtienneNovember 14, 2013
    Love the atmosphere. They have a variety of cultural events for the whole family.
  • US National Archives
    US National ArchivesApril 13, 2011
    While you enjoy the view from the Terrace Level, take a look at this 1970s photo of the area from our Documerica collection. What can you do to help keep this place beautiful? Read more
  • Ricardo A.heart icon on user image
    Ricardo AntequeraAugust 25, 2018
    awesome place to enjoy a show with a great view. a must!!
  • Viks
    ViksJune 4, 2010
    Thurgood is a must see. For somebody who moved to the US in the early 2000s, it had great insights on the civil rights movement from the perspective of the first black justice of the supreme court.
  • eric b.heart icon on user image
    eric bornemannMay 8, 2021
    Beautiful views of the Potomac River from the terrace - lovely even when humid.
  • Dave L.heart icon on user image
    Dave LepkowskiSeptember 2, 2018
    A super ultra awesome and musical place to go to Indeed
  • Jackieheart icon on user image
    JackieNovember 2, 2015
    Great shows! Dress up a little when you go here. Make an effort.
  • Andrea C.
    Andrea CAugust 11, 2014
    Free tours. A shuttle takes you to and from the Foggy Bottom metro station.
  • K12 Inc
    K12 IncJune 23, 2011
    Did you know? The Center is a "living memorial" to John F. Kennedy. At the groundbreaking, President Lyndon Johnson used the same spade as was used in ceremonies for the Lincoln & Jefferson memorials. Read more
  • Stephan Eirik C.
    Stephan Eirik ClarkFebruary 13, 2017
    Beautiful exterior, surprisingly shabby inside. Get a drink somewhere else beforehand.
  • Kennedy Center
    Kennedy CenterDecember 20, 2011
    Discounted and free tickets are available for anyone ages 18-30 and active duty military through our MyTix program. Check out kennedy-center.org/mytix for more info!
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