WASHINGTON, DC — The Smithsonian’s museums, galleries and National Zoo were closed to visitors by the shutdown of the U.S. government on Oct. 1, as were the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center, National Mall, National Gallery of Art, Library of Congress and National Archives. But while the Kennedy Center is also limiting hours of visitor access, its concerts are going on, thanks in part to the private/public partnership that pays the bills.
While the Federal Government picks up the tab for the building, grounds and upkeep for the national arts complex— including a recently-completed $1 million facelift for the National Symphony Orchestra’s concert hall — private donations pay for the performers and staff, including backstage crew.
Although this arrangement allows performances and educational programs to continue, visitor tours of the building and visitor access during non-show hours have been severely curtailed, and some 50 of the center’s 1,200 full and part-time staff face temporary furloughs.
