2700 F Street
Washington, DC 20566
BUILT: 1972
SEATING CAPACITY: 2364
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Kennedy Center [Opera House] History
The Opera House is the second-largest theater in the Center, with 2,364 seats. It was designed for ballet, opera, and musical theater. Over the years, the Opera House has welcomed dozens of the world's great dance and opera companies and has hosted some of the most important artistic events of the last quarter century. With its distinctive red and gold chandelier, a gift from Austria, the Opera House makes an elegant setting for the annual Kennedy Center Honors, the nation's highest award for lifetime achievement in the arts.
Shows at the Kennedy Center [Opera House]
DATES PRODUCTION 12/16/2025 - 1/4/2026 Spamalot (2025)
Click Here to Buy Tickets9/9/2025 - 10/5/2025 The Sound of Music (2025)
Click Here to Buy Tickets8/19/2025 - 9/7/2025 Parade (2025) 12/17/2024 - 1/5/2025 & Juliet (2024)
Click Here to Buy Tickets9/17/2024 - 10/6/2024 Clue (2024) 8/13/2024 - 9/1/2024 Mamma Mia! (2023)
Click Here to Buy Tickets7/23/2024 - 8/11/2024 Back to the Future: The Musical (2024)
Click Here to Buy Tickets6/25/2024 - 7/14/2024 Funny Girl (2023) 3/12/2024 - 3/31/2024 Company (2023) 2/13/2024 - 2/18/2024 Ain't Too Proud (2021) 12/20/2023 - 9/1/2024 Frozen (2019) 2/23/2023 - 7/30/2023 Into the Woods (2023) 7/12/2022 - 10/2/2022 Hamilton (Philip Company) (2018) 6/21/2022 - 6/30/2024 To Kill a Mockingbird (2020) 4/5/2022 - 4/24/2022 Mean Girls (2021) 2/22/2022 - 3/13/2022 Jesus Christ Superstar (2019) 12/28/2021 - 1/16/2022 Ain't Too Proud (2021) 10/13/2021 - 10/31/2021 Hadestown (2021) 7/18/2019 - 9/7/2019 Aladdin (2017) 6/4/2019 - 7/7/2019 Hello, Dolly! (2018) 10/30/2018 - 11/25/2018 Anastasia (2018) [Cancelled]
Click Here to Buy Tickets6/12/2018 - 6/25/2023 Hamilton (Angelica Company) (2017)
Click Here to Buy Tickets2/14/2018 - 2/17/2018 West Side Story (2018) 1/9/2018 - 1/28/2018 On Your Feet (2017) 12/12/2017 - 1/7/2017 An American in Paris (2016) 10/24/2017 - 11/19/2017 The Book of Mormon (2012) 6/13/2017 - 7/16/2017 The Sound of Music (2015) 4/4/2017 - 4/16/2017 Chicago (2017) 7/13/2016 - 8/20/2016 The Phantom of the Opera (2013) 6/14/2016 - 7/10/2016 Kinky Boots (2014) 10/6/2015 - 10/25/2015 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2015) 7/7/2015 - 8/16/2015 Once (2013) 6/16/2015 - 8/16/2015 The Book of Mormon (2012) 6/17/2014 - 8/17/2014 The Lion King (2002)
Click Here to Buy Tickets12/17/2013 - 1/15/2014 Elf The Musical (2013) 10/29/2013 - 11/10/2013 Sister Act (2012) 7/9/2013 - 8/18/2013 The Book of Mormon (2012) 7/9/2013 - 8/18/2013 The Book of Mormon (2012) 6/11/2013 - 7/7/2013 Anything Goes (2012) 11/20/2012 - 11/25/2012 Jekyll & Hyde (2012) 10/23/2012 - 11/11/2012 War Horse (2012) 7/10/2012 - 7/29/2012 The Addams Family (2011) 6/12/2012 - 7/1/2012 Memphis: A New Musical (2011) 12/13/2011 - 1/15/2012 Billy Elliot (2010) 9/28/2011 - 10/30/2011 Les Miserables (2010) 6/15/2011 - 8/21/2011 Wicked (1st National Tour) (2005) 10/26/2010 - 11/21/2010 Hair (2010) 7/1/2010 - 8/22/2010 Mary Poppins (2009) 12/15/2009 - 1/10/2010 Young Frankenstein (2009) 6/30/2009 - 8/9/2009 The Color Purple (2007) 12/16/2008 - 1/11/2009 Legally Blonde (2008) 6/26/2008 - 8/24/2008 The Lion King (2002)
Click Here to Buy Tickets11/15/1986 - 11/15/1986 Goya (1986) 5/15/1980 - 5/15/1980 Evolution of the Blues (1980) 3/5/1980 - 3/29/1980 Swing (1980) [Pre-Broadway] 1/9/1980 - 1/9/1980 West Side Story (1980) [Pre-Broadway] 8/9/1979 - 8/9/1979 Oklahoma! (1979) [Pre-Broadway] 9/23/1978 - 9/23/1978 Oh, Kay! (1978) [Pre-Broadway] 11/13/1976 - 11/13/1976 The Baker's Wife (1976) [Pre-Broadway] 12/4/1975 - 12/27/1975 Pacific Overtures (1976) [Pre-Broadway] 9/5/1971 - 9/5/1971 Mass (1971) - Sing, America, Sing (1975)
News
Video: Laura Benanti Returns as First Lady Melania Trump on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025
During Monday's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Laura Benanti reprised her fan-favorite performance as Melania Trump. Watch the clip now!
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025
During Monday's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Laura Benanti reprised her fan-favorite performance as Melania Trump. Watch the clip now!
Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Kennedy Center
by David Friscic - Sep 15, 2025
The Sound of Music is a veritable old warhorse of the Broadway musical canon, and it has stood the test of the vicissitudes of time. No amount of changing source material, cynicism, saccharine, or negativity can puncture the universal themes of familial love, romantic love, devotion spirituality, perseverance, forgiveness, and devotion that permeate this beloved musical. These universal themes have resonated with audiences from time immemorial---and are especially pertinent in today’s polarized times.
by David Friscic - Sep 15, 2025
The Sound of Music is a veritable old warhorse of the Broadway musical canon, and it has stood the test of the vicissitudes of time. No amount of changing source material, cynicism, saccharine, or negativity can puncture the universal themes of familial love, romantic love, devotion spirituality, perseverance, forgiveness, and devotion that permeate this beloved musical. These universal themes have resonated with audiences from time immemorial---and are especially pertinent in today’s polarized times.
Photos: THE SOUND OF MUSIC National Tour First Look
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2025
You can now get a first look at the new North American tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC! See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets to the tour here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2025
You can now get a first look at the new North American tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC! See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets to the tour here!
Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor & More Named 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 13, 2025
The Kennedy Center has officially announced the honorees for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 13, 2025
The Kennedy Center has officially announced the honorees for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
President Trump Teases Announcement of Kennedy Center Honorees
by Joshua Wright - Aug 12, 2025
The recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be announced on Wednesday, according to a statement from President Donald Trump. This marks the first time honorees have been chosen since Trump replaced several board members and assumed the role of chairman of the Kennedy Center.
by Joshua Wright - Aug 12, 2025
The recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be announced on Wednesday, according to a statement from President Donald Trump. This marks the first time honorees have been chosen since Trump replaced several board members and assumed the role of chairman of the Kennedy Center.
House Republican Bill Proposes Renaming Kennedy Center After President Trump
by Joshua Wright - Jul 28, 2025
A House Republican has introduced a bill to rename the Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump, citing his influence on arts and culture. The proposed legislation comes amid ongoing Republican efforts to rebrand parts of the Washington institution.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 28, 2025
A House Republican has introduced a bill to rename the Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump, citing his influence on arts and culture. The proposed legislation comes amid ongoing Republican efforts to rebrand parts of the Washington institution.
Amy Sherald Withdraws Exhibition From Smithsonian Amid Concerns Over Censorship
by Joshua Wright - Jul 24, 2025
Amy Sherald has withdrawn her solo exhibition from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, citing concerns that her painting of a transgender Statue of Liberty was at risk of removal due to political scrutiny under President Trump.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 24, 2025
Amy Sherald has withdrawn her solo exhibition from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, citing concerns that her painting of a transgender Statue of Liberty was at risk of removal due to political scrutiny under President Trump.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 23, 2025- SUNSET BLVD. Tops the Grosses in Final Week and More
by - Jul 23, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 23, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jul 23, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 23, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
House Republicans Aim to Have Kennedy Center Opera House Renamed for Melania Trump
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2025
House Republicans are aiming to have The Kennedy Center’s opera house renamed in honor of Melania Trump. Learn more about the proposed name change to the venue here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2025
House Republicans are aiming to have The Kennedy Center’s opera house renamed in honor of Melania Trump. Learn more about the proposed name change to the venue here.
Christiane Noll, Cayleigh Capaldi, Kevin Earley, and More Will Lead THE SOUND OF MUSIC Tour
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2025
Principal casting has been announced for the upcoming North American tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Learn more about the tour and find out who is starring here!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2025
Principal casting has been announced for the upcoming North American tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Learn more about the tour and find out who is starring here!
H+H Names New Principal Musicians To Begin In 25-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2025
The Handel and Haydn Society and Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen have revealed the new appointments for the 2025-26 season. Learn more about the musicians here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2025
The Handel and Haydn Society and Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen have revealed the new appointments for the 2025-26 season. Learn more about the musicians here!
Review: PORGY AND BESS at Kennedy Center
by David Friscic - May 27, 2025
The pivotal and star-crossed main characters and the Catfish Row community come alive in the highly influential, thought-provoking, and engrossing opera Porgy and Bess. This much discussed opera has its partisans and detractors but there is a distinct need to ponder and consider a work of this quality. This Washington National Opera production beautifully melds content and form in this story of a crippled man (Porgy) who must travel the lonely road (“When Gawd make cripple, He means him to be lonely. Night time, day time, He got to travel that lonesome road.”) to find wholeness with the easily gratified yet complex and caring Bess.
by David Friscic - May 27, 2025
The pivotal and star-crossed main characters and the Catfish Row community come alive in the highly influential, thought-provoking, and engrossing opera Porgy and Bess. This much discussed opera has its partisans and detractors but there is a distinct need to ponder and consider a work of this quality. This Washington National Opera production beautifully melds content and form in this story of a crippled man (Porgy) who must travel the lonely road (“When Gawd make cripple, He means him to be lonely. Night time, day time, He got to travel that lonesome road.”) to find wholeness with the easily gratified yet complex and caring Bess.
Review: NEW YORK CITY BALLET'S COPPÉLIA at Kennedy Center Opera House
by Emily Berger - Mar 28, 2025
What did our critic think of NEW YORK CITY BALLET'S COPPÉLIA at Kennedy Center Opera House?
by Emily Berger - Mar 28, 2025
What did our critic think of NEW YORK CITY BALLET'S COPPÉLIA at Kennedy Center Opera House?
LEGALLY BLONDE Postponed at the Kennedy Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ upcoming Broadway Center Stage production of Legally Blonde has been postponed. Learn more about the production here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ upcoming Broadway Center Stage production of Legally Blonde has been postponed. Learn more about the production here.
Review: ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER at The Kennedy Center Opera House " February 4th
by Audrey Cahak - Feb 7, 2025
The excitement was overflowing in The Kennedy Center Opera House as the annual Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater program began. The audience was so heavily anticipating the start that they found every excuse to cheer — they even applauded the sponsor acknowledgement.
by Audrey Cahak - Feb 7, 2025
The excitement was overflowing in The Kennedy Center Opera House as the annual Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater program began. The audience was so heavily anticipating the start that they found every excuse to cheer — they even applauded the sponsor acknowledgement.
LA TRAVIATA, THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO And More Come To Atlanta Opera for 2025-26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025
The Atlanta Opera will embark on its 46th season in 2025-26. The season's six productions are themed to twilight and transformation, as exemplified by Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025
The Atlanta Opera will embark on its 46th season in 2025-26. The season's six productions are themed to twilight and transformation, as exemplified by Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director.
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025
Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025
Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
Review: & JULIET at The Kennedy Center
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Dec 23, 2024
With a clever script, beloved music, and strong teams both on and off the stage, '& Juliet' is an incredibly witty, thoughtful, and joyful show, and the National Tour’s run at the Kennedy Center is the perfect way to cap off the year.
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Dec 23, 2024
With a clever script, beloved music, and strong teams both on and off the stage, '& Juliet' is an incredibly witty, thoughtful, and joyful show, and the National Tour’s run at the Kennedy Center is the perfect way to cap off the year.
President Joe Biden to Attend Performance of THE EYES OF THE WORLD at The White House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2024
On Friday, December 6, The White House will host a special live performance of American History Unbound’s The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, to be attended by President Joe Biden. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2024
On Friday, December 6, The White House will host a special live performance of American History Unbound’s The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, to be attended by President Joe Biden. Learn more!
Review: A HANUKKAH CAROL, OR GELT TRIP! THE MUSICAL at Round House Theatre
by Mary Lincer - Dec 2, 2024
What did our critic think of A HANUKKAH CAROL, OR GELT TRIP! THE MUSICAL at Round House Theatre?
by Mary Lincer - Dec 2, 2024
What did our critic think of A HANUKKAH CAROL, OR GELT TRIP! THE MUSICAL at Round House Theatre?
Kennedy Center [Opera House] Frequently Asked Questions
What show is next for Kennedy Center [Opera House]?
Kennedy Center [Opera House]'s next show is & Juliet which begins performances on 12/17/2024.
What when was Kennedy Center [Opera House] built?
Kennedy Center [Opera House] was built in 1972.
How many seats does Kennedy Center [Opera House] have?
Kennedy Center [Opera House] has 2364 seats.
What were the longest running shows at Kennedy Center [Opera House]?
West Side Story which ran from 2/14/1980 to 11/30/1980, Oklahoma! which ran from 12/13/1979 to 8/24/1980, The Baker's Wife which ran from 5/11/1976 to 11/13/1976, Pacific Overtures which ran from 1/11/1976 to 6/27/1976 and
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