Broadway Theaters In New York City

For decades, theatre lovers who’ve wanted to see the finest stage performances in the world have made a beeline to one place: Broadway. The epicenter of the theatre world boasts more than 40 professional venues in midtown Manhattan, from the grand Metropolitan Opera House to character-filled haunts like the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

With so many theatres concentrated in such a small vicinity, determining where to go can be the biggest challenge. However, there are two venues that stand out thanks to their rich history. The Lyceum and New Amsterdam both opened in 1903 and have earned the distinction of being the oldest surviving theatres from the turn of the century. The 900-seat Lyceum Theatre is the oldest continually operating space on Broadway, and the lush Art Nouveau design of New Amsterdam Theatre earned it the nickname “The House Beautiful.” Both were granted landmark status in New York City, with The Lyceum being the first Broadway theatre to receive this honor. The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, open since 1917, is another historic spot to note.

There are more differentiators than age when it comes to Broadway theatres. Studio 54 was better known for disco in the 1970s, despite opening as the Gallo Opera House in 1927. It’s since been renovated and is now a successful Broadway theatre once again. True to its name, The Little Theater expanded from a capacity of 300 to nearly 600 in the 1920s and was renamed The Helen Hayes Theatre, though it remains the smallest space on Broadway. The Belasco was also built as part of the “Little Theater” movement, though its intimate size is overpowered by its immense beauty. Its interior boasts Tiffany glass decorations, including a 22-panel ceiling, as well as carved wood and elegant murals. Broadway’s theatres are as impressive as the performances that take place within them. Regardless of the venue and performance, visitors looking to make a trip to the Great White Way should make plans and purchase tickets in advance to guarantee a seat.