Throughout the Theater District of Manhattan, Broadway theaters can be found at every turn, presenting new, classic, and beloved productions such as The Lion King, Wicked, Death of a Salesman and other timeless classics of the stage.
Most of the 41 venues in the Theater District were built in the early 1900s, many of which were owned by the Shuburt Brothers and built by Henry J. Krapp. Today, many of these theaters are owned by the Shuburt Organization. But the history of Broadway dates back far earlier.
A symbol of live performance, Broadway is more than a street, it is the center of of American Theater, dating back to the 1700s as a center for entertainment in the Big Apple. Reaching across Manhattan diagonally, Broadway existed before the grid of streets organized the city roads and settlements, early on serving as a trail for the Lenape who lived there before the arrival of Europeans.
Learn more in a comprehensive history of Broadway via Theater Seat Store.
The first venue in the city, the Theatre on Nassau Street (in today’s Financial District) opened on December 11, 1732, featuring a performance of Irish playwright George Farquhar’s play The Recruiting Officer. More than a century and a half later, Broadway theaters would move towards what would eventually become Times Square, following subway lines and the crowds that populated the area. Broadway would gain it’s nickname ‘The Great White Way’ in the late 1800s, after electrical lighting was installed on Broadway.
By the early 1900s, as the number of theaters grew in what would become known as the Theater District, Broadway became home for grand performances like the Ziegfeld Follies, making entertainment the central focus of the historic street and central Manhattan hub.
Discover more great music venues in all parts of New York State
The Off-Broadway venues can be found in and beyond the Theater District. Many of these theaters do more than just present plays., they also give back to the community, by helping smaller creatives find a space where they can grow and shape their craft through educational programs and accessible opportunities.
Off-Broadway venues are distributed across Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, Union Square, the East Village, the West Village, Chelsea and Harlem, and Off-Broadway Week celebrates the venues each year (Feb/March 2026).
Broadway Theaters
Broadway theatres are located between 41st Street and 54th Street, between Sixth Avenue and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, with the exception of the Vivian Beaumont Theater on 65th Street at Lincoln Center.
On Broadway, the venue experience is usually secondary to the show, especially when you’re seeing Hamilton, Wicked, Mamma Mia or Phantom of the Opera. When you’re Off-Broadway, the room is much smaller, and the venue has it’s own identity, situated more as a part of a neighborhood of Manhattan.
Al Hirschfeld Theater
Holding 1,404 attendees across 2 levels, the Al Hirschfeld, originally the Martin Beck Theater was opened in 1924. Currently, the theater is showing Moulin Rouge. The venue is owned and operated by ATG Entertainment.
302 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Ambassador Theater
Currently showing Chicago, Ambassador Theater has 1,125 seats across two levels. It is operated by the Shubert Organization. The theatre was built in 1921 and continues to create memorable experiences for audiences to this day.
219 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
August Wilson Theatre
Formerly known as the Guild Theatre, the August Wilson Theatre holds 1,225 audience members across 2 levels. The theatre is currently showing Dog Day Afternoon and will be showing Paranormal Activity. The venue is operated by ATG Entertainment.
245 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Belasco Theatre
The Belasco Theatre is owned by The Shuburt Organization. It seats 1,016 and is currently showing Maybe Happy Ending.
111 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, formerly known as the Royale Theatre and the John Golden Theatre, holds 1,078 seats. It was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and opened in 1927. The venue is currently presenting The Outsiders.
242 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Booth Theater
The Booth Theater was opened in 1913 and built in Italian Renaissance style. The venue is owned and operated by the Shuburt Organization. The Booth Theater is currently showing Proof.
222 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Broadhurst Theatre
The Broadhurst Theatre seats 1,156. Similarly to the venues previously listed, it is also owned and operated by the Shuburt Organization. CATS: The Jellicle Ball is being performed at the theatre. The venue provides an intimate atmosphere and a great acoustics for their attendees.
235 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Broadway Theatre
The Broadway Theatre is a very unique venue, as it was initially built to be a movie theatre in 1924. After the Shuburt brothers bought it in 1939, they renovated it and turned it into a theatre for musicals and plays. It is now owned by the Shuburt Organization. The venue holds 1,761 and is currently presenting The Great Gatsby
1681 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Circle in Square Theatre
Circle in Square Theatre is not only a theatre, but it is associated with a nonprofit drama school. The school offers two 2-year full-time programs: a Professional Theatre Workshop, and a Professional Musical Theatre Workshop. The theatre holds 776 and is currently airing Just In Time.
235 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
Ethel Barrymore Theatre
The Ethel Barrymore Theatre was opened in 1928. It was built by Herbert J. Krapp and named after actress Ethel Barrymore. The historic venue now seats 1,058 and showcases Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.
243 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Gene O’Neill Theatre
A part of the many theaters owned by the Shuburt brothers, initially this theatre was meant to be a hotel and theatre. Due to the Great Depression, the Shuburt brothers were only able to hold onto the theatre portion. It was originally named the Erwin Forest Theatre, after tragedian Edwin Forest. It then went on to hold the name Coronet Theatre, and is now the Gene O’Neill Theatre, that holds 1,102 seats and presents The Book of Mormon.
230 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
Gerald Schonefeld Theatre
Like many of the previous venues, the Gerald Schonefeld Theatre was built in 1917 by Herbert J. Krapp for the Shubert brothers. It was named the Gerald Schonefeld Theatre in 2004, prior it was referred by as Plymouth Theatre. It seats 1,080 and hosts the play, Buena Vista Social Club.
236 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Gershwin Theatre
The Gershwin Theatre is a more modern theatre than many of the others. It was opened in 1972 and named after George and Ira Gershwin, who wrote many Broadway musicals. It is one of Broadway’s largest theaters, seating nearly 2,000 across 2 floors. With a capacity of 1,933, the venue is home to one of Broadway’s most popular musicals, Wicked.
222 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Hayes Theater
On the contrary, Hayes Theater is the smallest Broadway theater in the city. It opened in 1912 and was named after actress Helen Hayes. The venue only holds 597 across two floors and is operated by Second Stage Theater. The show Becky Shaw is performed there.
240 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Hudson Theatre
The Hudson Theatre is one of the oldest surviving Broadway theaters. It was built from 1902 to 1903 by Henry B. Harris and J.B. McElfatrick. The venue officially opened in October of 1903. It holds 970 and hosts the play Every Brilliant Thing.
141 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Imperial Theatre
The Imperial Theatre opened in 1923. It was built by Herbert J. Krapp for the Shubert Brothers. This venue was the fiftieth venue to be built for the Shuburt brothers. Its capacity is 1,457 and now presents the play Chess.
249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
James Earl Jones Theatre
Originally known as the Cort Theatre, The James Earl Jones Theatre was opened in 1912. The venue was built by Thomas W. Lamb for John Cort. The venue is now operated by the Shubert Organization. It has 1,092 seats across three rows and is currently showing The Fear of 13.
138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
John Golden Theatre
Formerly known as the Theatre Masque and Masque Theater, the John Golden Theatre was constructed in 1927 for Irwin S. Chainn. It is now operated by the Shuburt Organization. The venue holds 800 attendees across two floors and is currently showing Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical.
252 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Lena Horne Theatre
The Lena Horne Theatre was opened 100 years ago in 1926. It was built by Herbert J. Krapp for Irwin Chanin. It was active from 1926-1950 and then 1960-present. The venue has a capacity of 1,069 and airs SIX: The Musical.
256 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Longacre Theatre
This theatre was opened in 1913 and built by Henry B. Herts. It was named after Longacre Square, the then name for Time Square. The venue is now operated by the Shuburt Organization. It holds 1,077 seats across three levels and the current show is Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).
220 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Lunt Fontanne Theatre
Originally the Globe Theatre, the Lunt Fontanne Theatre is now run by the Stahl Organization and Nederlander Organization. The venue was built in the Beaux-Arts style seating 1,505. Today, the venue shows Death Becomes Her
205 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Lyceum Theatre
The Lyceum Theatre is another one of the oldest surviving Broadway theaters in New York City. The venue was built by Herts and Tallant in the Beaux-Arts style and opened in 1903. The theatre is now operated by the Shuburt Organization. Its capacity is 950 seats across three levels and currently airs Oh Mary!
149 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Lyric Theatre
Unlike most of the previous theaters listed, the Lyric Theatre was opened in 1998. It contains 1,932 seats across three levels. Its modern construction allows for seamless special effects, which are a necessity for an involved show such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
214 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
Majestic Theatre
This theatre was built and owned in 1927 by the Chanin brothers, until they transferred ownership to the Shuburt brothers. Today, the venue is owned by the Shuburt Organization. The Majestic Theatre holds 1,681 and is now presenting Beaches on Broadway.
245 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Marquis Theatre
The Marquis Theatre was built by John C. Portman Jr. and opened in 1986. The venue has a capacity of 1,612 and is operated by Nederlander Organization. The theatre accommodates well for the special effects in its show Stranger Things: The First Shadow
210 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Minskoff Theatre
Home to one of the biggest shows on Broadway, the Minskoff Theatre holds 1,621 across two floors. The theatre was opened in 1973 and was named after the building developers, Sam Minskoff and Sons. It is now operated by the Nederlander Organization. The theatre carries a fan favorite musical, The Lion King.
200 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Music Box Theatre
The Music Box Theatre was opened in 1921, after it was built by Howard C. Crane for Irving Berlin and Sam H. Harris. The design of the building was inspired by Palladian style and holds 1,025 audience members. Currently, the show Giant is presented there.
239 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
The Nederlander Theatre
The Nederlander Theatre holds 1,235 audience members across two levels. The Nederlander Theatre has gone through many names since its debut in 1921, such as the National Theatre, the Billy Rose Theatre, and the Trafalgar Theatre. Currently, theatre enjoyers visit the Nederlander Theatre to see Schmigadoon!
208 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036
The Neil Simon Theatre
The Neil Simon Theatre, once known as the Alvin Theatre, holds 1,467 people since its opening in 1927. The original name comes from a fusion of the two original owners’ names, Alex A. Aarons and Vinson Freedley. The theatre is now home to the beloved MJ: The Musical.
250 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
New Amsterdam Theatre
The New Amsterdam Theatre was nicknamed “The House Beautiful” when it was opened in 1903. It is the oldest operating Broadway Theatre in the city. The theatre can hold 1,700 guests and presents Disney’s Aladdin.
214 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
The Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre was opened in 1913 and initially used as a vaudeville house. In 1965, the building was bought by the Nederlanders and became a theatre in 1966. Today, the theatre has a capacity of 1,648 and presents The Lost Boys.
160 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Richard Rodgers Theatre
The Richard Rodgers Theatre was named after composer Richard Rodgers, who passed in 1990. The venue is currently owned by the Nederlander Organization. The venue holds 1,319 guests across 2 floors, and currently presents the crowd pleaser, Hamilton.
226 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, formerly known as the Biltmore Theatre, is one of the smaller Broadway venues. With a capacity of 622, the venue creates an intimate atmosphere for audiences. The theatre is now presenting The Balusters.
261 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Shubert Theatre
Opened in 1913, the Shuburt Theatre is a part of the Shuburt Organization. It was named after Sam S. Shuburt. The capacity of the venue is 1,502 and it is currently playing Galileo.
225 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
St. James Theatre
St. James Theatre, previously known as Erlanger’s Theatre was opened in 1927. The capacity of the theatre is 1,709 across three levels. The current production is Titaníque.
246 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Stephen Sondheim Theatre
Formerly known as Henry Miller’s Theatre, Stephen Sondheim Theatre is a modern Broadway theatre. It was opened in 2009 and is owned by the Durst Organization. The theatre holds 1,055 guests for & Juliet.
124 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
Studio 54
Studio 54 is a unique venue as it has served several purposes. It was an opera house when it opened in 1927, then it acted as a CBS broadcast studio in the mid 1900s, after it became a nightclub in 1977, then finally became the theatre it is today in 1998. The theatre holds 1,006 audience members across two floors and airs The Rocky Horror Show.
254 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
Todd Haines Theatre
Once known as the American Airlines Theatre and the Selwyn Theatre, the Todd Haines Theatre has 740 seats across two levels. The theatre is operated by Roundabout Theatre Company. Despite the venue being on the smaller side, many guests visit to watch Fallen Angels.
227 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
The Vivian Beaumont Theatre
The Vivian Beaumont Theatre was opened in 1965. It was designed by architect Eero Saarinen and named after philanthropist Vivian Beaumont Allen. The theatre’s production at the moment is Ragtime.
150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023
Walter Kerr Theatre
Once known as the Ritz Theatre, the Walter Kerr Theatre was built by Herbert J. Krapp for the Shuburt brothers. It received its current name from theatrical critic Walter Kerr in 1990. Now, the theatre holds 975 for its production of Hadestown.
219 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Winter Garden
The Winter Garden was opened in 1911 and completely remodeled by Herbert J. Krapp in 1922. The 1922 design has lasted into present day. The venue holds 1,600 guests for its show Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. It will also be presenting Evita and Much Ado About Nothing in the future.
1634 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Comments are closed.