John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Opened in 1971, the Kennedy Center is both the national performing arts center and a memorial to John F. Kennedy. Designed by noted architect Edward Durell Stone and set on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River, the striking facility encompasses an opera house, a concert hall, two stage theaters, a theater lab, and a theater devoted exclusively to family productions.

The best way to experience the Kennedy Center is to attend a performance -- you can count on grand possibilities in 2012.

Aside from performances, the Center is worth visiting for one of its free 50-minute guided tours, which include some restricted areas.

Tours depart every 15 minutes from the lower level, Level A, in the Hall of States. You tour the Hall of Nations, which displays the flags of all nations diplomatically recognized by the United States. Throughout the center you'll see gifts from more than 60 nations, including 3,700 tons' worth of marble donated by Italy and used to line the walls of the Hall of Nations. First stop is the Grand Foyer, scene of many free concerts and programs and the reception area for all three theaters on the main level; the 18 crystal chandeliers are a gift from Sweden. You'll also visit the Israeli Lounge (where 40 painted and gilded panels depict musical scenes from the Old Testament); the Concert Hall, home of the National Symphony Orchestra; the Opera House; the African Lounge (decorated with beautiful tapestries and other artwork from African nations); the Eisenhower Theater; the Hall of States, where flags of the 50 states and four territories are hung in the order in which they joined the Union; the Performing Arts Library; and the Terrace Theater, a bicentennial gift from Japan. If there's a rehearsal going on, the tour skips the visits to the theaters. Tours conclude on the rooftop terrace, where you'll love the fine view of the Potomac River and the city.

Tours are offered in many languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Japanese, but you should contact the center in advance to arrange for a tour in a particular language. You can beat the crowds by writing in advance to a senator or congressperson for passes for a free congressional ("VIP") tour. Call tel. 202/416-8340 for details or go to the "Tours" information page on the website to complete and submit a form online.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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