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Vivian Beaumont Theater

The only Broadway theater outside the Times Square Theater District, this mid-century modern masterpiece at Lincoln Center is renowned for its unique architecture and high-capacity productions.

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Vivian Beaumont Theater
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Where is the Vivian Beaumont Theater located?

The Vivian Beaumont Theater is located at 150 West 65th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, within the Lincoln Center complex.

What makes the Vivian Beaumont Theater unique among Broadway theaters?

It is the only Broadway theater located outside of the Theater District that surrounds Times Square.

When did the theater open and who designed it?

The Vivian Beaumont Theater opened to the public on October 21, 1965. It was designed by architect Eero Saarinen, with Jo Mielziner also credited as a designer.

What is the seating capacity of the Vivian Beaumont Theater?

The theater has a capacity of 1,080 seats.

Who is the theater named after?

The theater is named for Vivian Beaumont Allen, a prominent New York philanthropist.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Vivian Beaumont Theater is a landmark Broadway venue located within the Lincoln Center complex at 150 West 65th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Opened to the public on October 21, 1965, the theater was designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen and lighting designer Jo Mielziner to create a space that departs from the traditional Broadway house. It is named for Vivian Beaumont Allen, a prominent New York philanthropist who contributed to its creation. As a unique architectural outlier, it is the only Broadway theater in New York City located outside the traditional Theater District that surrounds Times Square. This distinction makes it a cornerstone of the Upper West Side's cultural landscape. The venue features a seating capacity of 1,080 seats, allowing for large-scale Broadway productions that the Lincoln Center Theater company presents. Historically, the theater originally housed the Repertory Theater of Lincoln Center, which operated for nine seasons before closing in 1973. Today, it continues to host a rotation of acclaimed Broadway shows, including current productions like Ragtime, which is extended through August 2, 2026. The space is recognized for its modernist design and its integration into the broader Lincoln Center campus.

Visitor tips

  • Check the current Lincoln Center Theater season for showtimes and tickets for productions like Ragtime.
  • Allow extra time to explore the Lincoln Center complex around the theater to appreciate the architecture.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the Upper West Side's cultural hub.

Nearby context

The Vivian Beaumont Theater is a central piece of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, situated alongside other venues like the Mitzi E. Newhouse and the Claire Tow theater, which host off-Broadway and new theater programming.

Sources

Evidence and links