The Kennedy Center, once a vibrant hub for the performing arts, now stands as a hollow version of its former self. President Trump’s administration significantly reduced its programming and staff. The building, once filled with audiences, now echoes with silence.
A dedicated group of volunteers refuses to abandon the institution. Among them is Sandy Weiswasser, a tour guide who continues to lead visitors through the largely empty halls. She is one of a few dozen volunteers still showing up.
Weiswasser describes the building as hollowed out. The galleries are sparse, and the theaters are dark. Many scheduled performances were canceled or moved elsewhere.
Despite this, her tours remain a small act of resistance. She wants people to see what remains of the Kennedy Center. Her goal is to highlight what was lost, not what was destroyed.
Visitors are dwindling, but they still come. Some are curious about the changes. Others are loyal supporters hoping to find a spark of the old energy.
Weiswasser’s commitment is a quiet protest. It is a demonstration of love for a Washington institution that has been gutted. She hopes that by keeping the memory alive, the center can one day recover.
The tours offer a glimpse into a space that was once a cultural landmark. They serve as a reminder of what was lost and what could be rebuilt. For now, a few volunteers keep the light on.
