Visitors Guide to the Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (KC) is the nation's busiest art facility. This inspiring home for the performing arts is a worthwhile stop during your visit to Washington, DC. The tour highlights the historic events that led up to the establishment of this national cultural center, and includes an interactive exhibit of the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy. The tour also includes the majestic Hall of States, the Hall of Nations, the Concert Hall, the Opera House, and the Eisenhower Theater. The Kennedy Center is a truly international destination, housing extraordinary gifts from the governments of more than 60 countries, such as the magnificent Opera House chandelier (a gift from Austria that measures 50 feet across) and 3,700 tons of marble from Italy that line the walls of the Hall of Nations. Also featured on the tour are works of art by renowned 20th century artists, including Lucien Wercollier's Ascension and Dame Barbara Hepworth's Figure. The tour concludes with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the nation's capitol from the Center's Roof Terrace.

We encourage you to read the information below to prepare for your tour and to make it as enjoyable as possible.

When you must request this tour by: One week to one month in advance.

What You Need to Have with You upon Arriving for the Tour: Printed copies of any confirmation pages sent to you from my office.

Location: 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Exact Location: There are two main doors at the Kennedy center, one at the Hall of States and the Hall of Nations. If you enter through the Hall of States, go straight to the middle of the foyer, take a left, and go down the stairs to Level A. If you enter through the Hall of Nations, go straight to the middle of foyer, take a right, and go down the stairs to Level A. All tours begin on Level A. When arriving at Level A, you should go to the Tour Desk and sign in. Please see map below (colors above correspond with locations on the map).

Nearest Metro:
Foggy Bottom/George Washington University-Blue/Orange Line, 23rd and I (Pronounced: "Eye") Streets NW

This stop is closest to the Kennedy Center. From here you can make the short walk to the KC via New Hampshire Avenue OR use the FREE Kennedy Center Shuttle (signs are to the left of the exit escalator). The shuttle departs every 15 minutes from 9:45am-midnight Monday-Friday, 10:00am-midnight on Saturdays, noon-midnight on Sundays, and 4:00pm-midnight on federal holidays.

Duration: One hour.

Prohibited/Accepted Items: Below is a list of prohibited and accepted items for this tour.

Prohibited Items:

Weapons of any sort including knives, guns, explosives, etc.

Accepted Items:

Cameras
Cell Phones
Water
Backpacks
Strollers
Purses
Wallets
Jackets
Keys
Umbrellas

Dining Options: There is a buffet-style café with many choices available for all tastes open from 9:30am to late evening, depending on the time of the latest showing.

Gift Shop: The Kennedy Center Gift Shop is located on the main floor in the Hall of States corridor near the main box office. Please see map above. Its hours are from 9:00am-7:00pm.

Accessibility: This tour is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.

If you have any further questions, please visit http://www.kennedy-center.org/visitor/tours.html, or call my main office at (202) 224-2651 or toll-free at (800) 332-6106 and ask for my Director of Constituent Services.

If while in DC you need immediate help with your Kennedy Center tour, you can contact the Center directly at (202) 416-8340.

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