The Kennedy Center

For me there are two parts of my experience at a place, be it a restaurant, or a performance. Together these two parts create my whole experience.
At KC, there is the performance and how much I enjoy it, and then there is everything else about KC.
In my 35 years of going there (but only occasionally – I live a couple of hours away), I have enjoyed virtually everything I have ever been to – immensely.
So this review is not at all about the quality of the performances – the performances to me are wonderful, and overall a 5-​star experience.
But my experience of finding, getting into, through – in and around KC – is absolutely a one star. Let’s take it from several blocks away.
For a site of this importance in DC, one which brings so much traffic and business to the city, the lack of highway/​street signs pointing the way to the Kennedy Center is astounding. KC management needs to get with the city and get signs and directionals placed generously from all the major access directions. This will make it easier and faster for us to find and get to the KC. It should also serve to reduce side-​street traffic of folks trying to find their way to and from KC.
Likewise, after leaving KC, it would help if there were signs pointing to major arteries leading away from KC.
Currently there is some KC construction going on. But there were no discernible signs on KC property warning me that i would not be able to access the parking entrance I normally use. Consequently, I had to find out the hard way, along with lots of others following my car, and turn around, backtrack and find another (unfamiliar) route into KC basement parking.
After getting into the basement and parking, there were ZERO signs pointing the way into the building. Again I had to trial-​and-​error it, to find my way to the entrance doors, assisted by a helpful «HEEEY, IT’S OVER THERE!» from helpful parking lot attendants and security people.
Likewise, signs pointing OUT of the lot are lacking, or not there at all. Parking there is unfamiliar to me, and it took me awhile to find my car. Simple signs pointing to the most obvious ingress and egress points would solve the problem. Where are they? Doesn’t anybody give a damn?
Inside the building, same problems – everywhere.
There are plenty of super helpful staff around – thank god. But where are the signs pointing me to the restaurant alternatives.
I could go on and on about needless lack of easy navigation inside KC. But it is clear nobody is looking at that and that nobody gives a damn.
Terrace cafeteria style restaurant. Same problem. A menu board indicates your basic choices, menu items, etc. But at the menu board, you can only see one option – the salad bar. The other service areas are invisible to you at that point. Where are they? Again, no signs, no navigation. No help, unless you ask.
Okay, so we move to the salad bar. Poorly laid out and designed: central salad bar, with two lines on either side of it. Good – twice as many people can get through. But bad, because there are different food options on either side, and they are not all accessible to people on both sides. WTF were they thinking? Does ANYone in Kennedy Center give a damn about how people move through the place? Absolutely not. Clear as a bell.
At the other end of the food process, we are queued up at a short counter, all of us holding trays laden with food, and bottles, cups, liquids, waiting for the chance to put them down. We wait too long. Even in school they had a long rack on which trays could be slid, right up to the cash register.
Cash register checkout: fascinating. Pick your salad bar plate up and weigh it on a scale. REALLY??? Take dinner roll off plate. Its weight is not included! Really! Jesus. Put roll on tray, then remove plate from scale, and put your roll back on your plate. Unbelieveable.
Then repeat awkward queing up again for salt, pepper, napkins, etc. This is insane. Designed by someone with absolutely no concern for the customers.
Why do I say «insane” – because Goddammit, when I spend 2 hours driving to DC, $ 180 for 2 tickets, $ 23 for parking, I want to be treated like I MATTER to the establishment I am visiting.
Kennedy Center does not give a damn about me. And whoever runs it clearly does not give a damn about how it comes off to the visitor. The lack of pride, professionalism, and quality in the management of the place is embarrassing and disgraceful.
I have no idea who runs this place, or how it is governed, but somebody needs firing and replacing. The board, trustees, etc. is a who’s who of US politics and business. I do not know if Deborah Rutter, listed as President, is the actual operating manager of this place. But if she is, the managing trustees (not all those honorary folks) should sit her down and have a talk with her. Or just hire someone capable of managing the WHOLE operation, not just the shows. Make the KC outstanding!

Worst service, terrible food, way overpriced. Yes we knew it going in, but it was beyond a terrible experience. Missed 20 minutes of our show and they had 2 hours to feed us and get us out the door and it was half full.

Simply stunning historic performance center for the top shows and artists and elegant guests.
A beautiful 94 m– foot tall ceiling from which dangle gorgeous crystal chandeliers evoke a feeling of being in a cathedral to pay homage to the arts. It is an elegant momentous occasion you spend here.
We saw a superb Wagner’s Ring Cycle and were stunned by the performance that rivals the less than stellar staging at (our beloved) Met in NY.
You mustn’t forgo an evening here for the amazing array of performances they offer but also for the sheer pleasure of experiencing the grandeur the environs and hospitality of the staff.
There is fine dining, café, snack bars, candy kiosks and boxed meal (plenty of tables and seating out doors) options for your culinary appetite.
Parking available but best take a ride for ease.
Enjoy as we are doing this whole week of the cycle!

Very beautiful venue. We saw Ben Folds with yMusic a fantastic concert. Good overall acoustics and all the seats I saw had very good viewing with the the possible exception of nose bleed areas. The lighting and sound system are excellent. The bar service is the downside… would have been higher rated but the service in each of three different areas I went to were downright rude, and board line to the point of me complaining. The drop off for concerts is great the getting out afterwards with either Über or Taxi is quite the chore, better to wait 20 minutes far the concert to even get the car up to the pick up area. I would see a concert there in a heart beat, I would be aggregated if the same bar staff tried to ruin everyone’s night.

I had to cancel my membership after a year due to numerous disappointing experiences. I attended several performances and the best was hands down the Book of Mormon. though their website and phone centers were not adequately prepared for the demand, it took me 3 hours to try and buy tickets and despite my membership status, was left with slim pickings from what was left over. Why did I even bother to donate money to the KC if I have little to no benefit from it? I attended a Beethoven symphony that seemed more a tribute with the first hour being some prose/​archaic slam poetry style performance and the last hour was finally the music. I wanted to hear live classical music and to date I have not even gotten that simple pleasure. How do you advertise Hungarian music and Liszt and Brahms and not even play the Hungarian Rhapsody? Even Handel’s «Messiah» left me wanting. The Nutcracker Ballet was a decent performance, however no one policies dress code/​etiquette and the gentleman to my left was drenched in cheap cologne. There were multiple performances where children were in attendance on a school trip and thought it was funny to cough constantly because it drew a visible reaction from the Maestro, who would pause until the coughing stopped. Up the etiquette, have your ushers enforce rules, show some respect to this institution.
My advice? Buy the cheap seats if you can, at least you wont feel bad being ripped off for a poor experience.

Really enjoy the Kennedy Center. They have great performances there for all. We saw the National Symphony Orchestra in the concert hall & it was beautiful.
We will definitely go back.

I watched the Washington Ballet perform The Directors Cut at this location. This is a beautiful venue and there are several parking options in the area as well as parking there for a flat rate ($ 23). The exterior is mostly a stunning marble with engravings and quotes from JFK. The interior is beautiful with several gift shops and two restaurants for sit down or a quick meal.
There are snacks and drinks available outside of the theaters that are somewhat pricey, but if you don’t want a sit meal, it isn’t a bad option.
The theatre seating for the Eisenhower was standard and even the furthest seats weren’t far from the stage.
I can’t wait to watch another show here.

The Kennedy Center is to DC as the Carnegie Hall is to New York.
First, you are amazed by the architecture. Sure it looks like a shoebox from the outside, but once inside it houses beautiful spaces designed to showcase world class artists.
Second, the artists are world renowned and the line up can appeal to everyone.
Third, it doesn’t close out the world of arts and theater to just those who can afford it. With the Millennium Stage and Family Days, everyone is invited to participate in the culture.

What a wonderful venue. I visited The Kennedy Center for the first time to watch Alvin Ailey perform in ²⁄₂₀₁₆. Being an out of towner, I was unfamiliar with the area and impressed with how well traffic flowed AND that parking was under the building. The show started approx. 10 minutes after start time. Our seats were comfortable, but being so close to the stage (Row G), I was unable to see the dancer’s feet. Substantial portions of «Exodus» that took place on the floor and I couldn’t see that either. Thus, be sure to sit further back if you’re on the floor level. The ushers were useful, but not as useful as I’ve seen in other comparable venues. Nevertheless, a great time had by all.

I give The Kennedy Center three stars because there was an unforgivable moment where, when I was unable to attend a show, the service gave me a hard time. I was supposed to go with my girlfriend to watch Shen Yun, but was physically unable to go because the orange and silver lines were not operating due to inclement weather. I assume I was not the only person affected by this. They refused to reimburse me, but promised to send me compensation tickets. After eagerly waiting, instead of getting two tickets, I get one ticket of the value amount of the two tickets I had originally purchased (The compensation show is twice as expensive). I assume that The Kennedy Center values its ticket sales over its accomodation settings. I remember much about this in the past, growing up on watching The Nutcracker (with DC actor Keith Newman) and more, but if this happens again, this will not be a future destination.

I’ve been here twice to see «Swan Lake» Ballet and «The Book of Mormon».
Excellent venue with different theaters to suit different shows. It’s a very pretty and sophisticated center with a helpful staff. I enjoy sitting in the box tiers to ensure my short self won’t get stuck behind a tall person. I’ve been here midday on a Wednesday and on a Friday evening. Both times have been crowded with a full opera room.
There isn’t a dress code for this place, but it doesn’t hurt to look nice at a sophisticated venue with picture worthy shots (both indoor and outdoor).

Sunday, 11:00 AM.
Quickie:
+ Diverse events
+ Clean
+ Spacious
+ Service
And then???
We’ve attended a few Millennium Stage performances. The Kennedy Center is a terrific venue. It has multiple floors, an outdoor patio with a cool view, and holds a variety of events.
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Constructive comments:
*Option to compost

I know this is blasphemy, but as beautiful as this venue is, I’ve not felt the warmth here as a guest. Maybe I’m spoiled by other venues, but once you get past the wonderment of the history of this place, and look at it from a comfort standpoint, it’s just a-​ok, imho.
Case in point: Walk to get here. Our choice. We like to walk the city. But you finally arrive and well, I’m a gal… need a restroom. So, good luck with that! Did women in the 60’s not have bladders??? This big beautiful building has like 3 women’s restrooms (2 in the parking deck area) and one upstairs near the cafeteria… each with, oh…4 stalls. If you happen to show up for a matinée when something like Matilda is playing and the women’s rooms are full of girls… well, good luck!
But thankfully you’ve arrived nice and early so as to take your time and enjoy the venue before your show. Time for a nice drink and sit-​down in the beautiful Kennedy Center. Ask a guard… is there a restaurant/​bar? Yes? Go to the right, up the stairs.
Okay. Head that way. No stairs. Ask another guard. Answer… stairs? uh, you don’t want to do that… go back to an elevator.
Okay… up the elevator, finally find nice sit-​down restaurant/​bar, but it is not open during the day! Wah! Cafeteria IS, but it is crazy busy! Swarms!
Back to the lobby. Drink stands outside the theater. (Eisenhower in our case this time)…Wine for me, bourbon for Husband. Now I am far from being a wine snob, but the wine choice was one of those supermarket brands that even I normally skip… honestly not what I expected at the Kennedy Center in DC! On a plus side, they did have a decent bourbon for Husband.
Now where to hang out before the show? The only place to land is on the theater stairs. And I have to say they are showing much wear and tear. And while I realize that’s not what’s important, it IS the Kennedy Center and it seems like there could be some upgrades.
Now…once the Eisenhower Theater opened… well, that’s another story. Nice, clean… great sound… loved the show we saw! (Bright Star… on its way to Broadway).
And I’m happy to report there WERE other restrooms once you got inside the Theater itself. (albeit still on the skimpy side)
TIP: Don’t miss the view from the Terrace on the top level.

Spacious auditorium. Excellent customer service. Garage parking is pricey and I would expect that for DC. I ending up looking for and finding metered parking. So I paid $ 1 versus $ 23, and burnt some not needed calories walking to the Center. Looking forward to an awesome experience.

So stunning here. The view from the is beautiful from the rooftop terrace. I saw Shear Madness here and the show was great! Nice theater and good seats too.

Saw Matilda with my 12yr. old son and it was wonderful. I highly recommend this family show.

I always enjoy my visits to the KC. It’s truly an experience and a wonderful time to dress up. Lots of people watching. I love the variety of people that attend events.
I generally sit in ORCH for concert events in the concert hall. Tonight’s visit was for a chorus concert. The Wahsington Chorus candlelight show was fab! Loved it! The chorus is superb and the musicians as well. I wish my seat was centered but I like to be near the end of a row. I had a glorious view of the organ which was a prime site since it was the star in the show for musical instruments most of the night. I will say KC is indeed of some repair. My daughters seat was rather gross. It looked like someone had spilled something on it. ORCH C 21 had black stains with watermarked rings on the material. Nasty. I must note the temperature was great! Thank you for keeping it cool! I was worried it would be extremely hot it but was perfect.
The bathroom doors in two different locations didn’t lock and one poor lady, hers flew open to a crowd of guests while using.
The café was relatively quick if you need a quick meal and they do clean the tables for the quick dash to exit for your show. The food is not the best, but it suffices.
All the staff were friendly and exchanged hellos and thank you’s.
Parking is expensive so you can park at Watergate for cheaper. The KC’s garage has police there to assist with traffic and get you moving. Just pay attention to the officer directing.

Excellent ballet, stellar musical casts, free concerts nightly, and a host of other performances. The casts that visit the Kennedy Center are invariably top notch and definitely worth seeing for any performance. Dance, in particular, remains a highlight, and most major American musicals end up at the Kennedy Center for at least a short run. Overall, the Kennedy Center is one of the top venues in DC for ballet, musicals, concerts, and theater.
The atrium is towering and magnificent, and (though sound does carry within it) a wonderful space in which to spend the time before or after a show, or during intermission. The building itself contains three large theaters and 2 open stages (used for the free Millennium Stage concerts.)
The view of the Potomac from the outdoor area is gorgeous, and the building also contains a rooftop café. Food (mainly snacks) and drinks are available for purchase on premise.
There are frequently art works in the lobby, which are swapped out seasonally, along with the ever present (and giant) bust of former President John F. Kennedy.

What a beautiful center for the arts! Even if you can’t catch a show (like me!) because you don’t have time, absolutely try to pass by the Kennedy Center if you’re in DC.
I had never seen such a beautiful center for the arts in all of my life. As soon as you walk in it’s like you’re transported to another world. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to catch a show, unfortunately, because of my short time in the city, but I still went to see the center because of its architecture and importance. I wasn’t disappointed. The architecture of he Kennedy Center is to die for.
The view of he Potomac River from the venue is also amazing — it makes you want to just stand outside and breathe in and appreciate everything a little more. The outside area is definitely a great spot for some alone time.

Came the Kendrick Lamar/​NSO show last month and fell in love with this venue! The sound quality was beautiful and the theater itself is just a sight to see. Unfortunately I had to take away a star because the parking situation horrible (like most of DC), but otherwise, I would gladly go to any show here.

Just amazing! I have been here on a few occasions now and it is the best place to catch the ballet, a play, or a show. Expansive and gorgeous inside and out, you will NOT be disappointed!

This is without a doubt my favorite venue to see musical, theatrical, and dance productions. I was fortunate enough to see two great performances here recently. I watched The Washington Ballet give an amazing performance in Latin Heat and enjoyed the comedy whodunit Shear Madness.
The Kennedy Center is a strikingly beautiful marble structure that sits directly on the Potomac River. The interior of this place is very classy! The pretty red carpet and elegant crystal chandeliers make the atmosphere look very posh. I always feel the need to dress up when visiting!
The enormous bust of President John F. Kennedy by sculptor Robert Berks is prominently located across from the Opera House. It is an impressive work of art! A must see! It is a fabulous tribute to the 35^th President of the United States. There are three main theaters. They are the Opera House, the Eisenhower Theater, and the Concert Hall.
The highlight of my visit is always a stopover to the rooftop terrace. The views of the Potomac River, Virginia, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument from there is breathtaking! The view is especially gorgeous at night. The Kennedy Center is definitely worth a visit at least once in a lifetime!

Looking for the perfect date?
Buy tickets in advance for a show at the Kennedy Center (I came to Book of Mormon). The seating is designed in a way that even sitting on the upper levels doesn’t obstruct your view and you can save a few dollars.
Let’s not ignore the major props you get for being classy enough to dress up for the theatre. Though no dress code is required, it’s nice to dress up a bit to make tonight feel like a special event.
After the show, don’t leave just yet. Head to the roof for romantic views of DC, the Potomac, and Arlington. The expansive deck winds around the entire building, providing a great 360 panorama as you take a casual stroll with your date, dressed in nice evening wear. Yup, give yourself a high five. You nailed it.

I figured I should write an update for the Kennedy Center, since I haven’t reviewed it in over 3 years! Since writing my last review, I’ve visited several more times for several different occasions —
In early 2013, I visited the Kennedy Center for a play rendition of Franz Kafka’s «The Metamorphosis» and thought it was fascinating to see a first person point of view of a story of a man’s transformation into an insect rendered on stage from the third person’s point of view. I had read «The Metamorphosis» years before and truly enjoyed this rendition of it at the Eisenhower theater within the Kennedy Center. During my visit in 2013, I also checked out a traveling exhibit from Northern Europe, which was lovely.
In June 2014, my fiancé (then boyfriend) and I visited the Kennedy Center for a Washington Choir performance in the opera house. We absolutely loved the music and also loved experiencing the Hall of States and Hall of Nations together! :) We also dined at the KC Café upstairs, which was wonderful.
Most recently, just this past week (in Aug 2015), I visited the Kennedy Center again to watch Once in the Eisenhower theater with a friend. My friend had checked online and she got us $ 30 tickets (for people 30 and under)! It was a wonderful experience because we also got to go on stage before the performance. They apparently give out drinks on stage before the performance, but we didn’t get there early enough for that. The performance was wonderful and I loved the theater and experience, except for the fact that photography is strictly forbidden!
The Kennedy Center is wonderful for a myriad of types of shows, as well as for catching the lovely sights on the Potomac River and Arlington, VA and Georgetown in the distance.
It’s also very conveniently located in Foggy Bottom. It’s just a 10-​minute walk to the Foggy Bottom metro station from there and they also offer free shuttles to and from the metro.
Loveliness all around! I will continue to visit the Kennedy Center for as long as I live in the DC area (which will probably be many years to come)! :)

I’ve been to the Kennedy Center twice since living in Arlington and both experiences have been very good!
The first time I saw a show here it was for Sheer Madness — the improvisational show about a murder in which the audience gets to «guess» who the murderer is among the principal characters of the show. I know this has been around for years and it’s no wonder the KC keeps it around, it’s great. Tickets were super easy to get for that and there were a ton of shows to pick from.
The second time I ventured over to the Kennedy Center was with a group of friends to catch the critically acclaimed Book of Mormon. While I didn’t end up being the biggest fan of the show itself, the staff made sure the experience was enjoyable and there were plenty of options for refreshments and snacks.
My only knock on this place is the location. It is both good and bad. The bad unfortunately outweighs the good for me. It seems most cab/​über drivers have a hard time getting here and when it’s time to leave a show it seems to take forever to locate a ride home.
Other than that, this place is an amazing venue to see any show that comes through!

The Kennedy Center is a great place to see a show. Of course, because this is DC they want to charge you like crazy for everything. Parking is $ 23 for performances. You can walk a few blocks and probably find a good spot along the road for much less.
They have some bars inside in case you want an overpriced drink as well. But overall the inside of the place is cool and a great experiance, just be prepared to pay for it.

Love this place. I’ve been here for a NSO concert, and last night’s showing of Book of Mormon. Both were in different theaters, and both were absolutely gorgeous! Even the view of the theater at night from the water is beautiful.
If you make it to the Kennedy Center it’s a must to go out and check out the view over the river. Once you’re near your theater you can purchase refreshments, including alcohol. You are not allowed to take it in the theater, so plan accordingly.
To add to the experience, the staff is always helpful and courteous.
We did try out the Members Only club this time, ot wasn’t anything special really. There were free cookies, lemonade, water and coffee. We probably won’t head up there again.
I’m bummed I missed out on the free shows during the theater’s Iberian month, but I’ll be on the lookout for more cultural events! I can’t wait to get back here for another show!!!

Came here recently to watch Shen Yun and The Book of Mormon.
I’ve been here once before to watch Sheer Madness. Parking is $ 23. I suggest being at Kennedy Center an hour before your show begins. It’ll give you plenty of time to get through traffic, park, visit the loo, and walk around a bit before your show begins.
Employees are super helpful and friendly. Restrooms are conveniently located through the center, just follow the signs. I love how spacious it is at the Kennedy Center. The River Terrace is beautiful to walk around, while you wait for your show to begin. You can see the Potomac River, Georgetown University, the National Cathedral, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and the Roosevelt Bridge.
Shen Yun was lovely. I am so grateful to B for taking me. Performers were all so talented and graceful. I absolutely loved their costumes. Such pretty colors and great attention to detail. The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra was excellent. They blend ancient Chinese instruments with a full Western symphony orchestra. Lighting was perfect. So much talent and hard work. The Book of Mormon is hilarious. Well at least I thought it was. There were others around me who didn’t look all that amused and even left in the middle of the show. The music was fun and the actors are so talented. The stage, lighting, and costume design were on point. Fun to watch, just keep in mind that this musical was also created by the same makers of South Park.

My perfect evening at the Kennedy Center consists of a free Millennium stage show (every day at 6!) and a very slow stroll around the rooftop terrace located on the next floor. You *must* come here during golden hour and you will NOT be disappointed! In DC, it’s around 7p in the summer and 4/​5p in the winter. Watch as the sun’s rays spill over the boxy, but regal 70s architecture of the building. The terrace provides a breathtaking view of the city and Tidal Basin. Great for photographers, kids running around, lovey-​dovey couples walking hand in hand — or just solo. Highly recommend. And you don’t even have to spend a dime.
(also, I just discovered this awesome/​nerdy/​brilliant golden hr online calculator —
)
Other tips: free shuttle from Foggy Bottom metro or bike from the Rock Creek Park trail