Music Box Theatre

The Basics

One of the smaller theaters on Broadway, the Music Box Theatre has a seating capacity of 1,025, with box seats that are unusually large and round. Built in the style of a neo-Grecian country manor, the exterior is made out of limestone, while the interior is filled with elegant niches and murals. A plaque and wall exhibit in the lobby commemorate the theater’s history.

Visitors will need to purchase tickets to a performance to fully experience the theater, but they can admire this gem from the outside during a tour of Times Square or the Theater District.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Children under the age of 4 are not allowed inside the theater.

• Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, and other electronic devices cannot be used during performances.

• There are no escalators or elevators in the theater.

• Assistive devices for the hard of hearing and visually impaired are available.

• The theater is not fully wheelchair-accessible, but there are designated areas for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Music Box Theatre is located on West 45th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway. The closest subway stations are 42 Street–Port Authority (A, C, E), 49th Street (N, R, W), and 47th–50th Streets Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M).

When to Get There

The theater’s box office hours vary by show but are typically midmorning until evening Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sunday. It’s best to arrive early, as there may be lines for the box office or concessions. Latecomers will be seated at the theater’s discretion.

Becoming a Shubert Theater

Although the Music Box Theatre was not one of the many theaters built by the Shubert brothers, the Shuberts started acquiring shares of the venue from Harris starting in the 1920s. After Harris’s death, his widow sold half the shares to Berlin and half to the Shuberts. In 2007, the Shubert Organization acquired the remaining shares, becoming the sole owner of the theater.

Ways to explore

The best way to see the interior of the theater—including its elegant grand staircase and murals—is to buy tickets to a show. Performances are offered most days, including weekend matinees. Book your tickets ahead of time for the best seat selection and price. While last-minute ticket deals help you save money, there’s no guarantee of a seat.

You can also admire this gem from the outside on a walking tour of Times Square or the Theatre District, or as a stop on a hop-on hop-off tour bus.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seating is offered in the orchestra section, and assistive listening devices are available.

Age limits

Children under age 4 are not allowed inside the theater.

What to pack

Small bag, glasses for reading the program or seeing the stage

What to wear

There’s no dress code, but more formal attire isn’t out of place.

Not allowed

Outside food and beverages aren’t permitted. Turn your camera and cell phone off during performances.

Amenities

Restrooms, water fountain, food and drinks for purchase

Address

The Music Box Theatre is located in Manhattan’s Theater District on West 45th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway. It’s easy to get to by using public transit or by walking.

Driving

Driving in the busy Midtown area is generally not recommended. If you must drive, reserving a parking spot in advance at a lot will make your trip easier.

Public transportation

The theater is less than a 10-minute walk from a handful of subway stations, including 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E), 49 St (N, R, W), and 47–50 Sts Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M).

Best times to visit

It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your showtime, as there may be lines for the box office or concessions. Latecomers will be seated at the theater’s discretion.

Best days to visit

Shows run most days of the week, but on Monday, it’s often dark.

Best months to visit

The Music Box Theatre hosts performances year-round. Shows are especially popular over the holidays; book early if you want to go close to Christmas.

Special events

While the theater itself doesn’t host special events or festivals, Broadway stars host free concerts for Stars in the Alley and Broadway on Broadway every June and September.