Kennedy Center sells $25,000 July Fourth packages amid financial crisis
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The Kennedy Center, lit up last year in patriotic colors, is hosting a July 4 rooftop party with tickets starting at $425. Photo: J. David Ake/Getty Images
The Kennedy Center, which was planning a July Fourth weekend shutdown, is now hosting a high-end fireworks bash with packages topping out at $25,000.
Why it matters: The Kennedy Center was set to close on July 5 for a two-year, Trump-backed renovation. Instead, the arts venue is throwing an upscale Independence Day party as it warns of a mounting financial crisis.
State of play: A federal judge in May blocked the center from closing for a planned $257 million renovation and ordered President Trump's name removed from the building, ruling the Trump-appointed board acted illegally.
Now, instead of going dark, the center is selling premium viewing spots for the National Mall fireworks, where Trump is expected to speak.
- A $25,000 "Presidential Package" includes premium catering and cocktails, a temperature-controlled lounge and "unparalleled views of the monuments and fireworks."
- The next tier is a $15,000 "Vice Presidential Package."
- General admission starts at $425. Children's tickets cost $125.
Most of the reservations, minus the children's tickets, are tax-deductible. The top-tier $25,000 package includes a charitable contribution of roughly $19,000, according to the Kennedy Center's listed tax-deductible amount.
- Typically, such funds go to the Kennedy Center, a nonprofit.
Friction point: The event comes as the Kennedy Center says it's facing a potentially devastating financial blow.
- In a court filing Monday, the center said removing Trump's name could require it to return "hundreds of millions" in donations pledged under the current naming arrangement. It warned the resulting "financial harms" would "never be recovered," according to Forbes.
- Trump's lawyers have since asked a federal appeals court to pause the ruling while it seeks to overturn it.
At the same time, the center has little on its performance calendar to help drive revenue.
- Artists and arts organizations have canceled appearances since Trump's takeover, layoffs and staff departures have mounted, and the upcoming season remains light on major programming — typically planned a year or more in advance — under leadership with little arts experience, according to NPR.
Between the lines: The Fourth of July event underscores the center's abrupt pivot.
- It's a stark contrast from last year's festivities: A free, family-friendly celebration at the REACH with a live concert broadcast from the National Symphony Orchestra, whose future is now in jeopardy.
- The center tells Axios that the REACH grounds will remain open to the public this year for fireworks viewing, but it remains unclear if there's programming or concessions.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with information from the Kennedy Center about the REACH grounds availability.