Located in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex, the Vivian Beaumont Theater is the only Broadway-class venue that is not located in Manhattan’s Theater District. It was the vision of Vivian Beaumont Allen, a former actress, heiress and philanthropist who donated $3 million in 1958 for a building to house a dramatic repertory company. Although she passed away before her dream became a reality, the Vivian Beaumont Theater opened in 1965 with a revival of the 1835 play Danton’s Death as its inaugural show. The 1,200-seat venue underwent major renovations in the 1980s that resulted in improved sightlines, enhanced acoustics, wider aisles and increased handicap access.

The theater showcases a year-round program, with past productions including The Crucible, A Streetcar Named Desire, South Pacific, The King and I and Oslo. Today’s theatergoers are likely to discover new works at the venue, such as Ayad Akhtar’s Junk, along with fresh takes on classic shows like My Fair Lady.

Visitors can access the Vivian Beaumont Theater, along with other Lincoln Center theaters, via the street-level entrance on 65th Street or near the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Center Plaza. Commuters can take the #1 train to the 66th Street/Lincoln Center stop, and several buses also stop near the center. For drivers, Lincoln Center has a main campus parking area that’s open 24/7. There are many dining options in the area including a number of cafés and restaurants located inside Lincoln Center.