What is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts?
Q: What is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts?
A: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (commonly called the Kennedy Center) is a performing arts center in Washington, D.C. that hosts theater, dance, ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular and folk music performances.
Q: When did it open?
A: The Center opened on September 8th 1971.
Q: How many people visit each year?
A: Each year, almost two million people watch one of its performances.
Q: What activities does it present to the public?
A: The Center presents music, dance and theater to the public; helps artists make new works and does arts education.
Q: How is it funded?
A: It is mostly funded through ticket sales and gifts from individuals, corporations and private foundations as well as federal funding each year to pay for maintenance and operation of the building.
Q: What other purpose does it serve besides hosting performances?
A: It serves as both a nation's public memorial to President John F. Kennedy and "national center for the performing arts."
Q: Who designed the building?
A: The building was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone and built by Philadelphia contractor John McShain
