The Lena Horne Theatre joined the cadre of elite Broadway playhouses when it opened its doors on February 15, 1926, as the Mansfield Theatre. It was one of six theaters built by the Chanin Brothers and designed by Herbert J. Krapp in the early 1920s. Originally named after famed actor Richard Mansfield, it was renamed on September 12, 1960, after Brooks Atkinson, the renowned New York Times drama critic. It was renamed again in June 2022 to honor singer and actress Lena Horne, thus becoming the first theater named after a Black woman.

Located within walking distance of bustling Time Square, the venue can host just over 1,000 theatergoers. It has been well maintained over the years, including a redecoration in 2000 that included the installment of the original chandelier, which had been removed more than 40 years earlier.

The Lena Horne Theatre has played host to numerous award-winning productions and a myriad of notable actors in the 90-plus years since opening its doors. Ellen Burstyn won a Tony Award for her role in the comedy Same Time, Next Year, the longest-running show hosted by the theater. More recently, Glenn Close won a Tony for her role alongside Gene Hackman and Richard Dreyfuss in Death and the Maiden.

Visitors to the Lena Horne Theatre will find plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars and activities a block away under the bright lights of Times Square. Concessions, including drinks and refreshments, are available for purchase; however, only water beverages with tops are allowed in the auditorium. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the orchestra section. Like many Broadway playhouses, children under age 4 aren’t admitted to performances.