Stories of US
Stories of US will tell the multifaceted story of Americans through visual arts, theater, and interactive experiences, echoing the overarching theme’s encouragement to shape the narrative of our nation. Our dance season will uplift American choreographers, our theater season will celebrate the American musical theater tradition, and Washington National Opera will produce a cycle of works from across the centuries exploring American stories, ideals, conflicts, and compositions.
Additional programs will include
Our Nation on the Millennium Stage
In 2026, the Kennedy Center’s series of free performances on the Millennium Stage will feature artists, companies, independent filmmakers, and writers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories throughout the year. In a national outreach, Millennium Stage will also tour, presenting six onsite activations across the country to showcase community stages and spaces across the country.
Our Nation on the Millennium Stage
In 2026, the Kennedy Center’s series of free performances on the Millennium Stage will feature artists, companies, independent filmmakers, and writers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories throughout the year. In a national outreach, Millennium Stage will also tour, presenting six onsite activations across the country to showcase community stages and spaces across the country.
ONE. TWO. THREE.
Produced by Canada’s National Arts Centre and Orange Noyée
12 Mexican, 12 Canadian, and 12 United States artists and performers join forces on stage with National Arts Centre’s Artistic Director of French Theatre Mani Soleymanlou to create a bold and unique spectacle that challenges preconceptions, transcends stereotypes, and confronts identity traps. Without being didactic or moralizing, the show delves into the complexities of cultural heritage, migration, and societal expectations, captivating audiences with its wit, intelligence, and humor but also holding a deep dedication to portraying the genuine experiences of the 36 artists on stage. These artists play themselves, which adds an authentic and personal touch to the performance. Alongside Mani Soleymanlou, they are the co-writers of the show, lending their own perspectives and voices to create a rich tapestry of storytelling and ensuring that it remains grounded in the realities of their lives and the lives of the audience.
National Scrollathon® Exhibition
Bringing together the communal art-making effort of more than 250,000 participants from all over the United States, artists Steven and William Ladd will assemble an encompassing visual art installation, the National Scrollathon®. The artwork will reveal the American story in all its beautiful complexity, documenting where we are as Americans right now. In collaboration with museums, art centers, and service organizations in all 50 states, five territories, Washington, D.C., and Native Community Regional Centers, the public will create a spectacular, multidimensional manifestation of American hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The public can also participate via the project website by sharing one word that expresses their hopes and dreams for America. Those words will be brought together into a text-based artwork that will be exhibited on the Kennedy Center campus along with over 56 large scale textile artworks and the photographic portraits of the thousands that helped to create them. The National Scrollathon® project will be on view May 26–September 7, 2026.
National Scrollathon® Exhibition
Bringing together the communal art-making effort of more than 250,000 participants from all over the United States, artists Steven and William Ladd will assemble an encompassing visual art installation, the National Scrollathon®. The artwork will reveal the American story in all its beautiful complexity, documenting where we are as Americans right now. In collaboration with museums, art centers, and service organizations in all 50 states, five territories, Washington, D.C., and Native Community Regional Centers, the public will create a spectacular, multidimensional manifestation of American hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The public can also participate via the project website by sharing one word that expresses their hopes and dreams for America. Those words will be brought together into a text-based artwork that will be exhibited on the Kennedy Center campus along with over 56 large scale textile artworks and the photographic portraits of the thousands that helped to create them. The National Scrollathon® project will be on view May 26–September 7, 2026.
More programs to be announced in 2025.
