Kennedy Center to close for two years for renovations

The John F Kennedy Memorial ‍Center for Performing Arts in the US capital will close for two years for renovations, starting in July.

US President Donald Trump made the announcement on Sunday on the social media platform Truth Social.

"Based on these findings, and ‌totally subject ​to Board approval, I have determined ‍that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of ​Success, Beauty, and Grandeur, ‌is to cease Entertainment Operations for ​an approximately two year period of ‍time, with a scheduled Grand Reopening that will rival ​and ​surpass ​anything that has ​taken place with respect to such a Facility before," Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.

The announcement follows a wave of cancellations since Trump ousted the previous leadership and added his name to the building.

Trump announced his plan days after the premiere of Melania, a documentary of the first lady was shown at the storied venue.

The proposal, he said, was subject to approval by the board of the Kennedy Center, which has been stocked with hand-picked Trump allies.

Leading performing arts groups have pulled out of appearances, most recently, composer Philip Glass, who announced his decision to withdraw his Symphony No. 15 Lincoln because he said the values of the centre today are in "direct conflict" with the message of the piece.

"This important decision, based on input from many Highly Respected Experts, will take a tired, broken, and dilapidated Center, one that has been in bad condition, both financially and structurally for many years, and turn it into a World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment," Trump wrote in his post.

with AP