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All entrances to the building, theaters, restaurants, and gift shops are accessible. Elevators operate between the garage, Foyer, and Terrace levels on the north (States) and south (Nations) sides of the building. Elevators also operate within theaters between the orchestra, tier, and balcony levels.

All theaters have wheelchair- and scooter-accessible locations where patrons can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to theater seats. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theater seat should request wheelchair-accessible locations when ordering tickets. Seats with removable armrests are available in the Terrace Theater, Concert Hall, Opera House, Eisenhower Theater, Theater Lab and Family Theater. Bariatric chairs are also available in all theaters with advance notice.

Wheelchair accessible seating may be purchased by phone, in person, and online. For assistance selecting accessible seats or for more information about accessibility for a person with a disability, please contact the InstantCharge at (202) 467-4600 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Companion care restrooms are located in the Hall of Nations; on each level in the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater; on the lobby level of the Family Theater and Terrace Theater; and on the Terrace level in the States Gallery. Locate on map

Courtesy wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Hall of States and REACH Welcome Pavilion.  A limited number of bariatric wheelchairs and wheelchairs with elevating leg-rests are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make a reservation for a wheelchair, please contact the Visitors Information Desk at (202) 416-8340 or the Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727.  

Patrons who do not usually use a wheelchair are encouraged to bring a friend or companion to assist them in maneuvering the wheelchair around the Kennedy Center. Staff are unable to leave their posts to assist patrons in moving around the campus.

Please see the Curb to Seat Service section for additional information.

Kennedy Center door attendants are available starting one hour before performances begin to assist patrons in getting from the front of the building to the theaters. At the theater, Access Ushers are available to assist patrons to their seats or wheelchair-accessible locations. Mobility aids that cannot be stored safely within the patron’s seating area and wheelchairs for those patrons who transfer to a theater seat will be stored outside the theater as close as possible to patron’s seat. At intermission, Access Ushers make every effort to check in with patrons who may need assistance getting to restroom entrances or intermission bars. At the conclusion of the performance, Access Ushers may be available to assist patrons to the elevator banks or the front of the building.

We strongly encourage guests to allow extra time for their arrival as staff may be assisting others. 

Door attendants are not available after performances and may not be available prior to Millennium Stage performances and REACH events. Staff, volunteers, door attendants, and ushers are not able to assist patrons in transferring to or from a wheelchair, theater seat or vehicle; operate motorized mobility aids such as scooters and Segways; or to provide personal attendant services such as assisting patrons in the restroom, with taking medications, or with similar activities. Ushers are not permitted to accompany patrons into the parking garage.

Designated accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible parking spaces and automatic doors are located on the west side of the motor lobbies on all three levels of the garage.

Van-accessible parking for vehicles that are over 6'6" in height is currently available on the North Plaza. North Plaza parking may be accessed via the north (States) loop on the main plaza. Please ask a Security Guard for assistance. Pre-paid parking is the preferred payment method for this lot. Please present a printed copy of your receipt.

For more information about parking, please visit the  page or call (202) 416-7988, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All Kennedy Center shuttle buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift with a capacity of 500 pounds. These red vans run between the Foggy Bottom-George Washington University Metro Station (on the Orange and Blue lines, at 23rd and I streets, NW). Please visit the  page for more information.