Lyceum Theatre
149 W 45th St., Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10036
A piece of New York theater history, the Lyceum Theatre holds the honored position of the oldest continually operating theater on Broadway, built in 1903 and taken over by the famous Shubert Brothers in 1950. Known for its pretty beaux arts-style facade, the intimate venue has hosted Tony Award-winning shows such as A View from the Bridge and Venus in Fur, as well as audience favorite The Play That Goes Wrong.
The Basics
Built in 1903 by Broadway producer David Frohman, the Lyceum reflects the charm of old Broadway, and stages Tony Award–winning shows, fromVenus in Fur to the revival ofA View from the Bridge. Attending a performance is the best way to experience the Lyceum. Buy tickets in advance, as shows often sell out. If you don’t get tickets, it’s still worth stopping by on a Broadway walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Lyceum isn’t fully wheelchair-accessible, but seating is available in the Orchestra section.
Assistive listening devices, audio description devices, and handheld captioning devices are available at the audience services kiosk.
Snacks and drinks are available in the theater’s lobby concession area.
How to Get There
Located a few blocks from the heart of Times Square, the Lyceum Theatre is best reached by subway. Take the B, D, or F train to the 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station, or the N, Q, R, or W train to the 49th Street stop. The theater sits on West 45th Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues.
When to Get There
The Lyceum stages several productions per week, including two performances each on Wednesday and Saturday. There are no shows on Monday. Whether you’re seeing a matinee or an evening performance, plan to arrive with enough time to pick up your tickets at the box office and grab a drink, about an hour before the show. To avoid crowds, try to get tickets to a midweek show, since weekend performances are most popular.
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art
Just a few blocks from the Lyceum, you’ll find one of the most celebrated art museums in the city: the Museum of Modern Art. This world-class institution hosts numerous rotating exhibits yearly, presents daily film screenings, and offers countless performances, talks, and concerts. Don’t miss the museum’s sculpture garden, and be sure to visit the permanent collection, where you’ll find Vincent van Gogh’s revered workThe Starry Night.
Ways to explore
The best way to experience the Lyceum Theatre is to attend a show—recent runs include Grey House and Oh, Mary!—and you can choose between seats in the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony, or rent a private box. Buy your tickets in advance, as this is one of the smaller theaters on Broadway (with 922 seats), and popular seats can sell out quickly.
You can also see the Lyceum Theatre and learn more about the history of Broadway in New York City on a guided walking tour of the Broadway Theater District and Times Square.
Accessibility
The theater isn’t completely wheelchair accessible, but it has a step-free entrance, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible seating by reservation. Infrared assistive listening devices and hand-held audio description and captioning devices are available.
Age limits
Children must be at least 4 years old; some shows may have parental advisory warnings or a recommended minimum age.
What to pack
Your ticket or e-ticket, photo ID, glasses (if needed), binoculars, reusable water bottle, lozenges
What to wear
Smart-casual clothing, layers (the venue is air-conditioned)
Not allowed
Using cell phones, cameras, and recording devices during the show; outside food and drink; large bags and luggage (there’s no coat check)
Amenities
Concession stands, restrooms, water fountain
Address
The Lyceum Theatre is located on West 45th Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, just off Broadway. You can reach the theater on foot from Times Square and Midtown Manhattan attractions, or by public transport.
Driving
Self-navigating the Midtown Manhattan traffic is best avoided. Save yourself the hassle—and the expensive parking fees—and book a cab or a rideshare service instead.
Public transportation
Reaching the theater by subway is easy, as there are three stations within four blocks of the theater. Take the B, D, F, or M train to the 47–50 Sts Rockefeller Center station; the N, Q, R, or W train to the 49th St stop; or the 1, 2, 3, or S train to Times Sq 42nd St.
Best times to visit
Most evening shows start at 7:30pm or 8pm, while matinee performances typically begin at 3pm or 5pm; arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime as latecomers may be turned away.
Best days to visit
Shows are typically held from Tuesday through Sunday or from Monday through Saturday in July and August. Friday and Saturday are the most popular nights.
Best months to visit
New York City is busiest in summer (July and August) and around Christmas. Watching a Broadway show in the off-season is more relaxed and often cheaper, too.
Special events
The annual Broadway on Broadway event in September kicks off the Broadway season with a free open-air concert in Times Square.
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