John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
- Foggy Bottom–GWU • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,228 within 5 kms
Attractions
597 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- mujica201853 contributionsMostly good shows, overpriced restaurantsWe just saw My Fair Lady. Great show, great cast, great sets. A wonderful experience. Dinner at the café was less satisfactory. The restaurant is overpriced and the selection of dishes very limited. I took my grandchildren, and they didn't find much to choose from. The staff is not always helpful, and there are not enough seats in the dining room.Visited January 2020Written 7 January 2020
- jehenson81Washington DC, District of Columbia22,244 contributionsLovely ShowI recently went to the Kennedy Center for one of the last performances of Come From Away. They still have not reopened the east parking access from Rock Creak Park but they have allowed you to cut across the parking access so you can go around the building more easily. I still try to prepay for parking to save a couple bucks but the scanners for the parking are problematic at best (they have someone standing there to help). The parking places have gotten a little more narrow as they try to fit more spots in but people are respectful. My show was in the Eisenhower Theater where the acoustics are excellent so the show was excellent and I could understand every word spoken or sung. Overall it was a great way to spend the afternoon.Visited January 2020Travelled soloWritten 5 January 2020
- cmg3175 contributionsExcellent venueTake advantage of the pre-paid parking online at least 24 hours before the event, the garage can get sold out if multiple venues are open at same time. Multiple theaters are tailored to the type and size of event. They've got a gift shop with some interesting items as well. There are also two restaurants on site.Visited January 2020Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,761 reviews
Excellent
1,239
Very good
397
Average
89
Poor
20
Terrible
16
MrMrsHappyR
Liverpool, UK1,157 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We went to see Moulin Rouge which was a spectacular show that we really enjoyed. Good acoustics in the Opera Theatre too. Lovely building with nice views too
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA495 contributions
Jun 2023
I was here to see the National Symphony perform a program of Star Wars music. The iconic venue has some grand elements, like the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, as well as cool artwork. The Concert Hall is a little worn, but the sightlines in the first tier are very good, and the acoustics are fine. The orchestra was excellent, and the conductor, Steven Reineke, provided great commentary.
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paradise Lost
Burnet, TX166 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
You have to come here! Outstanding performances with amazing staff, and beautiful stage. The audio is done perfectly so great performances get great stages.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iholland95
Philadelphia, PA71 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Saw Hamilton at the Kennedy Center. Opera House is spectacular! Beautiful, clean venue. Sound system is amazing!
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Delaware, OH198 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Went to see the National Symphony Orchestra's presentation of Star Wars music. The conductor had music from all 9 of the trilogy as well as the 2 additional movies (background information). The conductor was very likable (with a unique style) and the orchestra was marvelous. The sound in the arena was wonderful (we were in the nosebleed seats), and the music, well...JOHN WILLIAMS!! IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!
Written 27 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElvisAndrus
Arlington, TX805 contributions
Apr 2023
Love this place and its mission. It is much more thn the Millenium Stage but that alone gives me five stars. I love free shows and the six o'clock start means that if you are a little older, you are not out too late and if you are younger, it is a great way to pregame your night out. The other venues are wonderful too and we enjoyed the various installations and the view from the roof. We did find it hard to find a good restaurant or bar right near so if you are planning to grab a bite or a drink before or after the show I would suggest doing some research and making a choice ahead of time. We went twice during a seven day stay, once to see folk singer Suzzy Roche and the other night to see impressionist Matt Friend. Our experience was that if you come half and hour early you can sit in the front few rows and if you come fifteen minutes you are much further back in a long thin venue- so come early if that matters.
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M
Purcellville, VA119 contributions
Feb 2023
What an honor it was to see my first ballet, Romeo and Juliet, in our nation's capital! All the red carpeting and ornate chandeliers make me feel like royalty:)
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wander
2 contributions
Jan 2023
I went to the Shen Yun in Washington, DC. everything was great but I have a suggestion. The seats should be upgraded in the box area, I had the misfortune to get a chair that the springs were going out and it made for a long night. Additionally the seats in the rear of the box should be elevate in way so the members can see the show without having to look around the people in front them.
It still was a wonderful evening event.
Vr
Al
It still was a wonderful evening event.
Vr
Al
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerome B
Columbia, MD1,010 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Been going to the Kennedy Center for decades and it keeps getting better. Saw Wicked there last evening and visited the new permanent exhibit on JFK and the Arts. Really well done and very glad we took the time to check it out.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elizabethlascheid
Los Angeles, CA4,781 contributions
Dec 2022
The Kennedy Center is a must go, if there is anything playing while you are in D.C. It is amazing, beautiful, historic and an honor to President Kennedy.
The place is large and is stunning inside and out. It can be pricey, but not always.
It is the sort of place where you dress to impress.
There is something so special about it. The staff is wonderful. You will love it. Go.
The place is large and is stunning inside and out. It can be pricey, but not always.
It is the sort of place where you dress to impress.
There is something so special about it. The staff is wonderful. You will love it. Go.
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara J
Boulder City, NV21 contributions
Has anyone sat in the box seats in the Eisenhower Theatre? Was wondering if it was worth the extra money of if the view wasn’t worth it.
Locemup
Washington, D.C.291 contributions
I saw Hamilton from a box and I was excited because it was the last seat available. It wasn't worth it; the left side of the stage was obstructed. I felt fancy, though, lol.
I see a lot of guides to watch fireworks from the terrace. Can anyone watch 4th of July fireworks for the terrace, or is it a private party?
RichAdvisor
Reston, VA2,028 contributions
I suggest calling Kennedy center to inquire.
sjeffery1
MD101 contributions
For anyone who has sat in the very front row - Row A in the orchestra - how high is the stage? I get tired of sitting back further and seeing heads in front of me rather than the stage. Thanks!!!
ChefScott511
Falls Church, VA39 contributions
I never sit that close the music goes over my head. I try to sit about half way back in the orchestra or in the first tier
sjeffery1
MD101 contributions
For anyone who has sat in the very front row - Row A in the orchestra - how high is the stage? I get tired of sitting back further and seeing heads in front of me rather than the stage. Thanks!!!
ellenh978
Brookfield, WI61 contributions
I am only 5ft tall sat in the 5th row wit no difficulty in seeing the people on stage. Hope that helps!
Beret M
Washington DC, DC1 contribution
Which Kennedy Center parking garage entrance is most convenient as of 9/18? Anyone know? A, or B/C?
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,558 contributions
So far as I know, there's only one large parking garage underneath the Center. You can get to any venue using either the A or B entrance; both give access from the garage up to the Center itself, but if you want to avoid a long walk, it helps to use the entrance closest to the stage you're going to. If you enter the garage from the F Street entrance, the theatres are arranged in the following sequence: closest to F street -- Eisenhower Theater; middle -- Opera House; furthest -- Concert Hall. But if you don't mind walking, don't sweat it: you can get to any venue from either entrance. BTW, if you want to save some money, you can also park in the garage under the Watergate across F Street. Instead of turning left into the Kennedy Center garage, just turn right into the Watergate parking lot. If you want to find a map of the Kennedy Center complex and garage, you can find one by searching on Directions and Parking -- John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts.
Allen R
Washington DC, DC1 contribution
We were given tickets to The Fourth of July at the Kennedy Center Roof Terrace for the picnic dinner and fireworks. What is the dress code? Are beverages such as wine, beer, & cocktails included?
Thanks in advance!
Allen Reiver
RonFG
Potomac, MD1,091 contributions
Too late to help, but I have no clue what they serve, but would guess that drinks will be sold. Due to the heat, I would assume that dress is casual and shorts should be allowed.
BakerFamily222
Washington, UK3 contributions
Hi Dottie
What sort of music do the play in the free concert?
David P
New York City, NY571 contributions
The concerts change every Monday but they have them listed so you can see who will be there while you are in DC. I suggest going early as it’s first come first serve for seating. The performance is also televised.
DonnaSue24
Ohio43 contributions
We are planning to see the free show at 6 p.m. and would also like to take the tour in the afternoon. What time should we arrive to be able to tour and be done by 5 p.m. ?
nquinby
Germantown, MD209 contributions
Tours average about an hour, but can vary depending on the tour guide and how many questions the group has. Tours start approximately every 10 minutes during scheduled hours. If visiting on a weekend, remember tour hours end at 1 P.M.
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Claim your listingJOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- We recommend booking John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 26 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:
- Day or Night Grand Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8+ Sites (From S$80.54)
- Private SUV Tour of Washington DC (From S$642.92)
- Washington DC Private Multilingual VIP Tour (From S$673.17)
- Private Tour of Washington DC |Stretch Limo |4 Hours Customizable (From S$887.26)
- Moonlight Tour 3 Hour (From S$614.26)
- Hotels near John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:
- (0.40 km) The Watergate Hotel
- (0.55 km) Hotel Hive
- (0.65 km) The River Inn
- (0.53 km) ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
- (0.54 km) Residence Inn Washington, D.C. Foggy Bottom
- Restaurants near John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:
- (0.06 km) Kennedy Center Rooftop Terrace Restaurant
- (0.09 km) KC Cafe
- (0.19 km) Garden Cafe
- (0.36 km) Kingbird
- (0.56 km) &pizza - Hotel Hive
- Attractions near John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:
- (0.01 km) Kennedy Center Gift Shop About
- (0.51 km) City Segway Tours DC
- (0.47 km) Fat Tire Tours
- (0.89 km) Lincoln Memorial
- (0.89 km) Vietnam Veterans Memorial