Kennedy Center Shuts Temporarily Over Structural Safety Risks

The Kennedy Center in Washington has been closed temporarily after a senior official determined that continued structural deterioration posed acute risks to public safety.

Matt Floca, the center's executive director and chief operating officer, said in a federal court filing that the building would remain shut for at least seven days. The closure is meant to allow an assessment of safety hazards in sections of the main building that show severe structural deterioration, he said.

The shutdown took effect without advance notice on Wednesday. Floca said it stemmed from an inspection of the roof terrace canopy and a partial ceiling collapse earlier this month. The closure could be extended once the evaluation is completed next week, he added.

The move is distinct from a decision taken by the Kennedy Center's board on Tuesday to close the performing arts venue indefinitely to carry out repairs.

The announcement came as a Democratic congresswoman who serves as a trustee pursued an emergency court hearing aimed at preventing what she described as the building's unlawful closing.