National Cultural Center Established for Performing Arts

The National Cultural Center is established by the U.S. Congress as Public Law 85-874. The Smithsonian is given responsibility for overseeing its initial planning.   As directed in the act, the center will present classical and contemporary music, opera, drama, dance and poetry; present lectures; develop programs for children and the elderly; and provide facilities for other civic activities at the center. In January 1964, it will be renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.