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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Performing Arts Venue, Theater, and Concert Hall

Northwest Washington, Washington

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9.5^/10

1,522

ratings

Ranked #8 for a rooftop in Washington
Has a stamp of approval from Travel + Leisure and The Telegraph
"Don't miss the daily performances at 6pm on Millennium Stage."(10 Tips)
"Beautiful opera house, with great outside views."(6 Tips)
"... you would like to see Book of Mormon (running through 8/18/13) there are $25..."(3 Tips)
"Beautiful building with free shows in the summer."(7 Tips)

172 Tips and reviews

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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.
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.
Upvoted 1 week ago
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 CApril 2, 2017
Love it 😍 the Center is amazing and all the performances are awesome 👏🏽
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!
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
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.
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.
Ahmed SahraouiJune 7, 2018
The view, the space, the poeple... I like all of that!
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.
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.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsMarch 27, 2013
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
Travis MillerDecember 21, 2018
Multiple theaters, shops, food, all with a great atmosphere! Make sure you know which theater your show is in.
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!!
Amy CummingsApril 22, 2018
Be sure to check out the roof terrace before or after your show!
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.
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
Caitlin LawlerAugust 5, 2015
Beautiful opera house, with great outside views. Arrive early before shows to listen to the free band
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.
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.
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!
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
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsJuly 10, 2014
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
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!
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 :)
Cathy HenryMay 24, 2014
The Bolshoi Ballet Company is performing Giselle & it's a fabulous performance!!!!!
Yilen RodriguezFebruary 26, 2012
I was so happy when I heard Wicked was coming to JFK center, it was an amazing performance! Such great talent! Such a beautiful stage!! Loved it!
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.
Andres FalconerFebruary 4, 2016
Can't be missed. Must come as often as possible. Great free performances in the halls.
Washington BladeJuly 30, 2011
“Shear Madness,” a comedy whodunit, will be performed twice Saturday at 3 and 7 p.m. At the Theater Lab. “Madness” takes place in present-day Georgetown, in the Shear Madness Hair Styling Salon.
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.
Jared CampbellNovember 23, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Well worth becoming a member. Don't miss the scenic view of Virginia.
Washington BladeJuly 30, 2011
“Shear Madness,” a comedy whodunit, will be performed twice Saturday at 3 and 7 p.m. At the Theater Lab. “Madness” takes place in present-day Georgetown, in the Shear Madness Hair Styling Salon. Ticke
Ricardo AntequeraAugust 25, 2018
awesome place to enjoy a show with a great view. a must!!
Ankush SaxenaFebruary 15, 2013
Place to see live orchestras and opera performances. Tickets might be pricey, but it's worth it.
eric bornemannMay 8, 2021
Beautiful views of the Potomac River from the terrace - lovely even when humid.
Eduardo M. EtienneNovember 14, 2013
Love the atmosphere. They have a variety of cultural events for the whole family.
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!
ToryBurchJune 26, 2013
Named for President JFK, the Kennedy Center hosts plays, ballets and many of DC’s best theatrical events.
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
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.

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