The board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts unanimously approved a plan Monday to close the Washington venue for two years to undergo major renovations. The decision, made by President Donald Trump's handpicked board, paves the way for work to begin immediately after the July 4 Independence Day celebrations, with a grand reopening planned afterward.

The $250 million project aims to modernize the facility using high-end construction materials and transform it into what Trump described as "the finest performing arts facility in the world." Roma Daravi, the center's vice president of public relations, said the renovations are "required to keep the facility functional" and will create "a world-class destination worthy of the nation’s legacy and future." Trump stated that closing the center is "the fastest way to bring the Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of success, beauty and grandeur."

Outgoing president Richard Grenell called the move the "fulfillment of that promise," adding that "what comes next will be worth the wait." The board also voted to install Matt Floca as the new chief executive officer and executive director, replacing Grenell, who stepped down last week.

The approval follows Trump's February 1 announcement of the closure plan, which came amid a wave of cancellations by performers protesting the center's shift under his influence. Productions like Hamilton pulled out, and the National Symphony Orchestra's executive director departed for another institution. Trump had previously overhauled the board, naming himself chairman and renaming the venue to include his name as "The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex-officio board member, attended the meeting after winning a court battle to participate, though her voting rights remained unclear. The center, a federally funded cultural landmark, has hosted events aligned with the administration, including the World Cup draw and Kennedy Center Honors.

During the closure, entertainment operations will cease, affecting performances through mid-2028. The renovations are expected to address longstanding maintenance needs while enhancing the venue's grandeur for a nationwide audience.