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New Amsterdam Theatre

The oldest operating theatre on Broadway, this New York City landmark features stunning Art Nouveau interiors and a rich history spanning over a century of performance art.

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New Amsterdam Theatre
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What is the New Amsterdam Theatre known for?

The New Amsterdam Theatre is the oldest operating theatre on Broadway and an official New York City landmark. It was also the first theatre on Broadway to use electric lighting extensively.

What are the box office hours?

The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Is the theatre accessible?

Yes, the theatre provides an elevator and scheduled audio-described performances.

Where is it located?

The theatre is located at 214 West 42nd Street, at the southern end of Times Square in Manhattan's Theater District.

What is the history of the building?

Built between 1902 and 1903, the theatre was once the largest on Broadway and was nicknamed 'the beautiful house'. It served as a movie house for approximately 40 years starting in 1937 before closing in 1985.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 214 West 42nd Street at the southern end of Times Square, the New Amsterdam Theatre is a cornerstone of Manhattan's Theater District. Built between 1902 and 1903 to designs by Herts & Tallant, it was one of the first Broadway venues to open in the neighborhood and was the largest theatre on Broadway when it opened in 1903. The building is a masterclass in early 20th-century architecture, boasting a Beaux-Arts exterior and an Art Nouveau interior. Both are designated New York City landmarks, and the entire structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre's interior is particularly noted for its elegance, which led early audiences to nickname it "the beautiful house." Throughout its century-long history, the venue has transitioned through various roles. Originally owned by the production team Klaw and Erlanger, it served as a movie house for approximately 40 years starting in 1937, before closing in 1985. It has since been revived by Disney Theatrical Productions, which now operates the venue, which currently houses 1,702 seats across three levels. As a pioneer of stage technology, the New Amsterdam was the first theatre on Broadway to use electric lighting extensively, a feature that was a hallmark of its period. Today, it remains the oldest operating theatre on Broadway, maintaining its historic charm while hosting modern blockbuster productions.

Visitor tips

  • The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • If you are visiting on a Sunday, the box office closes earlier at 6:30 PM.
  • The theatre provides an elevator for accessibility and scheduled audio-described performances for visually impaired guests.

Nearby context

The theatre is situated in the heart of the Theater District, near other major tourist attractions including Madame Tussauds.

Sources

Evidence and links