Moonshot Studio
Moonshot Studio at the REACH is a hands-on, self-guided art-making experience celebrating creativity and the artist in everyone. Visitors ages 5 and older can drop in during open hours, choose from several projects inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s life, words, interests, and ideals, and work at their own pace with help from studio staff when needed.
The current “My Art & My Ideals” activation includes creating portraits inspired by President Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, or the moon landing; writing original poetry based on Kennedy’s speeches; building and decorating a small boat inspired by his love of sailing; and designing a pennant flag expressing a message or ideal. The portrait activity draws on the work of Andy Warhol, while the poetry project uses Kennedy’s speeches as a starting point for creating new poems. Most projects take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, though visitors may spend as much or as little time as they wish.
When: The page lists sessions from October 11 through December 20, 2026.
Showtimes: The studio is generally open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with scheduled closures. Listed dates are Sunday, October 11; Saturday, October 17; Sunday, October 18; Saturday, October 24; Sunday, October 25; Saturday, October 31; Sunday, November 1; Saturday, November 7; Sunday, November 8; Saturday, November 14; Sunday, November 15; Saturday, November 21; Sunday, November 22; Friday, November 27; Saturday, November 28; Sunday, November 29; Saturday, December 5; Sunday, December 6; Saturday, December 12; Sunday, December 13; Saturday, December 19; and Sunday, December 20, 2026. Each listed session begins at 11 a.m.
Current activation: “My Art & My Ideals” explores President John F. Kennedy’s legacy through portrait-making, poetry, mini-boat construction, and pennant-flag design.
Activities: Visitors can reinterpret a portrait of President Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, or the moon landing; write poetry inspired by Kennedy’s speeches; construct and decorate a mini-boat; and create a flag based on Kennedy’s words and ideals.
Run time: Projects are self-paced, and many take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Ages: Recommended for visitors ages 5 and older.
Important activity note: Boat-building must begin before 3:45 p.m. because of the time required to complete that project.
Staff: Moonshot Studio staff introduce the projects and provide assistance as needed.
Venue: The REACH at the Kennedy Center.
Tickets: Price not available.
Accessibility: Visitors seeking assistance or accommodations can contact the Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility in advance at 202-416-8727 or access@kennedy-center.org.
Student groups: Field trips can be arranged by request on Wednesdays through Fridays for groups of 25 or fewer.
At-home activities: The related Moonshot@Home digital series adapts the studio’s creative approach for off-site use, with activities involving Kennedy-inspired pennants, portrait photography, and connections among different art forms.