Visitors to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC can now experience a new exhibit, titled “Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy. It’s a permanent exhibit in the roof-level Atrium that explores Kennedy’s appreciation of the arts and why the Kennedy Center came to be the living memorial to him and his ideals.
This immersive exhibit uses digital technology to explore how the arts influenced the Kennedy presidency. JFK had a deep appreciation for the arts, from his childhood to the White House and becoming the 35th President of the United States.
“The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation, is very close to the center of a nation’s purpose.”-President John F. Kennedy
Highlights of the Exhibit include:
- A Portrait: A look at JFK’s early years—from his childhood, Naval career, and wedding to his political career as Congressman and Senator and election as President.
- A Leader: JFK’s love of the written word and skill as an orator was expressed in his many memorable speeches on the arts, civil rights, space exploration, and world peace. The president believed in the power and glory of words.
- Art and Democracy: From its very first day, the Kennedy administration welcomed and championed the role of artists in American society.
- Art and Social Change: Artists, writers, and performers were instrumental in persuading the Kennedy administration to address the civil rights crisis in America with action and leadership.
Art and the White House: The White House under the Kennedy’s became a hub for the intersection of arts and diplomacy, where world leaders mingled with the nation’s top artists and thinkers.- Art and Culture: The Kennedy’s understood the power of media and, with their youthful style, became popular icons in media, television, and fashion.
The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and the legacy of one of the country’s most iconic leaders who was assassinated in November, 1963.
The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F St NW. The Kennedy exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight and it’s free. For more information, click this link.
