Explore the REACH
Welcome Pavilion
The Welcome Pavilion is the main entry to all other spaces at the REACH. Located on Level A, the Welcome Pavilion boasts massive clear and frosted glass windows, including one that is etched with a quote from President Kennedy. The expansive lobby is home to a reception desk, comfortable lounges designed by Steven Holl, the Gratitude Wall recognizing major contributions to the construction of the REACH, and the Hyannis Port coffee bar, which is named after the location of the Kennedy Family home on Cape Cod.
PT-109
with thanks to Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello
Taking its name from the “Patrol Torpedo” boat that President Kennedy commanded during World War II, Room PT-109 is a flexible space for meetings or dinners with large windows that look out onto the outdoor Victura Deck and a large reflecting pool.
Moonshot Studio
with thanks to William E. Conway, Jr. and Joanne Barkett Conway
Named after President Kennedy’s call for America to think big and travel to the moon, the Moonshot Studio is a “maker space” where families, students, and community groups can come together for interactive workshops, meetings, or camps.
Justice Forum
with thanks to Michael F. and Noémi K. Neidorff and The Centene Charitable Foundation
A striking and intimate lecture hall with fixed seating named after one of the five ideals attributed to President Kennedy, the Justice Forum is perfect for pre- or post-performance lectures, film screenings, and artist discussions. It boasts distinctive acoustic “crinkle” concrete walls and a cherry wood ceiling.
Skylight Pavilion
with thanks to Stephen and Christine Schwarzman
The stunningly beautiful Skylight Pavilion features vaulted ceilings over an expansive atrium space with multiple glass skylights and very large glass windows providing views of the Potomac River. A multitude of custom hanging lights twinkle like stars over the Pavilion’s atrium, augmented by theatrical lighting to transform the room for special events. The exterior wall facing the Center functions as a large projection screen for movies, simulcasts, and more.
Gallery Wall
with thanks to Fred Eychaner
This multi-story blank canvas will play host to large-scale short- and long-term art installations, on view to visitors on both levels of the REACH.
Peace Corps Gallery
President Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961 with the goal of encouraging mutual understanding between Americans and people of other nations and cultures. The Peace Corps Gallery, located on Level B, serves as an art gallery, lobby, and gathering space outside of Studios J, F & K.
Studio J
with thanks to Iris Smith
Studio F
with thanks to Suzanne L. Niedland
These multi-purpose rooms take their name from the President’s first two initials. Studios J & F are equipped with ballet barres, mirrors, and a ballet-style sprung floor. They have floor-to-ceiling windows looking onto the Potomac River through which visitors outside on the Link pathway can observe rehearsals.
Studio K
with thanks to Jacqueline Badger Mars
This multi-purpose room takes its name from the President’s last initial. Studio K is just larger than the Center’s Opera House stage and features a balcony to observe artists at work as well as performances. The space with acoustic “crinkle” concrete walls will be the home of the Club at the Kennedy Center and is suitable for cabaret and other performances, rehearsals, exhibits, demonstrations, and special events.
Skylight Stair
with thanks to Sakurako and William Fisher
Connecting the upper and lower levels near Studios J, F, and K, the Skylight Stair encapsulates Steven Holl's mastery of light, angles, and texture with this eye-catching stair feature.
Sardar Classroom
with thanks to Arlene and Robert Kogod
Macaroni Classroom
Caroline Kennedy’s pet pony Macaroni was a gift from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1962. Sardar, an Arabian horse, was given to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as a present from Ayub Khan, the President of Pakistan, in 1962. These state-of-the-art, multipurpose classroom spaces can host both children and adults in exciting hands-on educational activities.
Hammersmith Lounge
with thanks to Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk
Hammersmith was the name of Jackie Bouvier’s childhood home that served as her wedding venue and the “Summer White House” during the Kennedy administration. Equipped with informal seating designed by Steven Holl, a skylight, and window views of the Potomac, the Hammersmith Lounge is a public space adjacent to Studios J, F & K and the Macaroni and Sardar Classrooms.
River Pavilion
The Boeing Company
Exclusive Corporate Underwriter of the REACH
Located at the southernmost end of the Kennedy Center campus, the River Pavilion has fantastic views of the Potomac River and the Center’s new pedestrian bridge. Featuring quotes from President Kennedy etched into frosted glass, this special space hosts informal performances, comedy or open mic nights, and special events. A glass wall slides open to a courtyard with a reflecting pool and outdoor deck with seating adjacent to the Presidential Grove of 35 ginkgo trees.
The Link
with thanks to ŠtÄ›pánka and Karel Komárek
The Link is a covered pathway with fantastic views of the Potomac River, Roosevelt Island, and into Studios J & F that connects the River Plaza and the Grand Foyer to various spaces and buildings at the REACH.
The Bridge
with thanks to David Bohnett Foundation
For the first time, the Kennedy Center is connected to the city’s other memorials by a new pedestrian bridge spanning Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway down to the trail running along the Potomac River.
Victura Deck
with thanks to Pritzker Traubert Foundation
A lover of the sea, President Kennedy’s iconic wooden sailboat, the Victura (Latin for “to conquer”), was purchased when he was 15. The Victura Deck is located just outside of the Moonshot Studio alongside a large reflecting pool.
Presidential Grove
with thanks to The People of the United Arab Emirates
At the south end of the campus sits a grove of 35 ginkgo trees planted in honor of our 35th president and namesake, John F. Kennedy, intended as a place for quiet contemplation.
Reflecting Pool
with thanks to The State of Qatar
With views of the Potomac River and Roosevelt Island and set adjacent to the River Pavilion, the large Reflecting Pool welcomes both splashing and stillness, joy and reflection.
Video Wall Lawn
with thanks to Robert H. Smith Family Foundation
The Video Wall Lawn makes possible active, participatory engagement through simulcast or broadcast performances and films with expansive lawn seating for visitors.
The REACH Plaza and Gardens
The large paved plaza and two expansive lawns surrounding the three pavilions offer outdoor gathering spaces for participating in a community activity, watching a movie or simulcast on the Video Wall, picnicking, or relaxing before a performance. The lawns and landscaping serve as a massive “green roof” for the REACH, the largest in Washington, DC at approximately 69,000 square feet.
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Learn More About the Art & Sculpture at the REACH
Learn More About the Art & Sculpture at the REACH
David M. Rubenstein
Cornerstone of the REACH