Broadway Theatre Tours
One of only five playhouses actually on Broadway itself, the Broadway Theatre is also one of the largest in the city. Despite its origins as a movie theater and vaudeville house, the theater is ideal for musicals, with a large stage and seating capacity and great acoustics, and it has hosted many hits over the years.
The Basics
First opened in 1924 as B.S. Moss’s Colony Theatre, the Broadway Theatre was designed by Eugene DeRosa to be a movie theater, large enough to accommodate an orchestra to accompany silent films. Today the theater has a seating capacity of 1,765 over two levels. Pass by the Broadway Theatre and other popular performance venues on a walking tour of the theater district. To see the interior and for the full experience, book tickets to a show.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Broadway Theatre is located on Broadway at 53rd Street. By subway, take the 1, C, or E train to 50th Street; the N, R, or W to 49th Street; or the N, Q, R, or W to 57th Street.
When to Get There
The theater’s box office hours vary depending on the show, but it is typically open from 10am to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday. It’s best to arrive early as there may be lines for the box office or theater concessions. Latecomers will be seated at the theater’s discretion.
Early Film Screenings
During its early incarnation as a movie theater and film house, the Broadway Theatre screened some notable films, including Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willie in 1928, which introduced the American audience to Mickey Mouse. Disney also premiered Fantasia here, in 1939. The first Cinerama film, This Is Cinerama, also debuted at the Broadway Theatre in 1952.
The Basics
First opened in 1924 as B.S. Moss’s Colony Theatre, the Broadway Theatre was designed by Eugene DeRosa to be a movie theater, large enough to accommodate an orchestra to accompany silent films. Today the theater has a seating capacity of 1,765 over two levels. Pass by the Broadway Theatre and other popular performance venues on a walking tour of the theater district. To see the interior and for the full experience, book tickets to a show.
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.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
- There are no escalators or elevators at the theater.
- Assistive devices for guests who are hard of hearing or visually impaired are available.
- The theater is not fully wheelchair-accessible, but there are areas designated for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Broadway Theatre is located on Broadway at 53rd Street. By subway, take the 1, C, or E train to 50th Street; the N, R, or W to 49th Street; or the N, Q, R, or W to 57th Street.
When to Get There
The theater’s box office hours vary depending on the show, but it is typically open from 10am to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday. It’s best to arrive early as there may be lines for the box office or theater concessions. Latecomers will be seated at the theater’s discretion.
Early Film Screenings
During its early incarnation as a movie theater and film house, the Broadway Theatre screened some notable films, including Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willie in 1928, which introduced the American audience to Mickey Mouse. Disney also premiered Fantasia here, in 1939. The first Cinerama film, This Is Cinerama, also debuted at the Broadway Theatre in 1952.
Address: 1681 Broadway, New York, New York City, New York 10019, USA
Admission: Varies
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Broadway Theatre
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Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Broadway Actor
Don’t settle for any average Broadway tour while you're visiting New York City. This Broadway theaters and Times Square tour gives you an insider’s look with a guide who is actually a Broadway performer. Learn about the history and happenings of New York City’s famous theater district, and hear the backstage stories about the stars of yesterday and today.
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From
$35.00
From
$35.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
New York "Must See" Small-Group Half-Day Tour
Experience the best of the Big Apple during this half-day tour of Manhattan with a group limited to 15 guests. Rather than trying to do it all yourself, let an experienced guide lead you through the vibrant streets, colorful neighborhoods, and historic landmarks on foot, subway, and ferry. Get the full New York City experience and see iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, and Wall Street.
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From
$74.00
From
$74.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hell’s Kitchen Prohibition Pub Crawl
On this three hour pub crawl, we will stop at three bars that were once speakeasies in Hell’s Kitchen for drinks. Having the benefit of being next to the Hudson River, many of the early successful bootleggers in New York City were Hell’s Kitchen residents at some point in their lives either in their formative years or as adults. They would utilize the coming and goings of ships on the Hudson River, called rum runners, to receive illicit alcohol. We will learn about who many of these early bootleggers were, their schemes and the organization they belonged to dedicated to trafficking in the shipped alcohol.
In addition, we will learn about some more historical facts of the neighborhood including Death Avenue, Doctor’s Row, the old Paddy’s Market and more. And, of course, you will learn why Hell’s Kitchen is called Hell’s Kitchen. All this and more on this spirited pub crawl through Hell’s Kitchen.
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From
$59.00
From
$59.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Times Square Prohibition Pub Crawl
The Jazz Age lives on in New York for those who know where to look. With this guided Prohibition-themed tour, get a behind-the-scenes peek into the past via a bar crawl with a historic twist. Explore the area around Times Square and learn about the illicit bars and speakeasies frequented by mobsters, politicians, and the glitterati during the 1920s and 1930s. See landmark structures and historic hotels, and sip a craft cocktail at a local venue.
…More
From
$59.00
From
$59.00
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