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Duffy Square

A vibrant plaza in the northern triangle of Times Square, home to the iconic TKTS discount booth and statues of Father Duffy and George M. Cohan.

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What is Duffy Square known for?

Duffy Square is a tourist magnet and a destination for those seeking reduced-price Broadway theater tickets. It has also served as a site for victory celebrations and a staging area for public rallies.

Where is Duffy Square located?

It is a small plaza in the northern section of Times Square, bounded by Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 45th and 47th Streets in Manhattan.

What can I see at Duffy Square?

The square features statues of George M. Cohan and Father Duffy, a large public viewing grandstand (seating riser) on the north side, and the TKTS discount ticket booth.

Who was Father Duffy?

Father Francis Patrick Duffy (1871-1932) was a priest in the Times Square area and a military chaplain.

What are the hours for the TKTS booth at Duffy Square?

The booth is open Mondays from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Duffy Square is a small, bustling plaza located in the northern triangle of Times Square, bounded by Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 45th and 47th Streets. It serves as a central hub for tourists and a frequent site for public rallies and victory celebrations. Since 1973, the square has been a primary destination for those seeking reduced-price theater tickets through the TKTS booth. The square's identity is defined by its monuments. A massive statue of Father Francis Patrick Duffy, a military chaplain and priest in the Times Square area, was unveiled on May 2, 1937. Created by sculptor Charles Keck, the bronze figure stands against a green granite Celtic cross that is more than 17 feet tall. Nearby, a statue of George M. Cohan also marks the spot. Historically, the area has seen diverse installations. In 1909, the square was briefly dominated by a fifty-foot, eight-ton plaster statue called Purity (Defeat of Slander) by Leo Lentelli. The square was officially renamed Father Duffy Square in 1939, with street signs reflecting this change on June 13, 1939. Today, the plaza is one of six pedestrian plazas in Times Square, and the largest of these is on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets, measuring approximately 209 feet in length. It features a large public viewing grandstand on the north side, providing a vantage point for visitors to soak in the neon lights of the district.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the TKTS booth for reduced-price Broadway tickets; it is open Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Climb the red seating risers (the grandstand) for a great vantage point of the Times Square neon lights.
  • Be mindful of crowds, as the square is a magnet for tourists and a staging area for public rallies.

Nearby context

Duffy Square is situated in the heart of the Theater District, serving as the northern anchor of the Times Square pedestrian plazas.

Sources

Evidence and links