# Washington National Opera
Who / What
Washington National Opera (WNO) is an American opera company based in Washington, D.C. It is federally designated as the national opera company of the United States and presents performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Background & History
The company was founded in 1956 as the Opera Society of Washington. It was renamed the Washington Opera in 1977 and received its current name and national designation by an act of Congress in 2000. A key milestone was its move to the Kennedy Center's Opera House in 1971, which served as its performance venue for over five decades.
Why Notable
WNO holds the distinction of being congressionally designated as the national opera company, giving it a unique cultural status in the United States. It has played a significant role in presenting grand opera productions and fostering American operatic talent for nearly seventy years. Its long-standing residence at the prestigious Kennedy Center has made it a centerpiece of Washington's cultural landscape.
In the News
The company recently concluded its historic 54-year tenure at the Kennedy Center Opera House in 2025, marking the end of a significant era for the institution. This transition period makes the opera company particularly relevant as it adapts to new performance venues and continues its mission.
