The idea for a national theater or cultural center in Washington, D. C., dates back to 1933, the building we commonly call the Kennedy Center did not open until 1971. The full name of the facility is the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts President Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, were instrumental in raising funds for the center. The Kennedy family contributed about $500,000 to the place originally called the National Cultural Center. In 1964, ground was finally broken, the center was renamed in honor of Kennedy in the same year. The center is located on the Potomac River, somewhat removed from the Mall, and it is not easily accessible by public transportation. Gifts from many nations include crystal chandeliers, sculptures, and materials for the walls and curtains. Three main theaters are housed in the center: the largest is the Concert Hall with its powerful pipe organ, the second is the Opera House, the smallest is the Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs in the Concert Hall the Washington National Opera performs in the Opera House. Several smaller venues are also located in the center, a gift shop and restaurant are also available. Many of the performance events are free to the public, opportunities for school groups to perform in the facility have been made available.