Imperial Theatre (New York)
The Imperial Theatre has been a Broadway staple since 1923. It was constructed by the famous Shubert brothers to accommodate musicals and was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp. The Imperial Theatre has been the site of many achievements, from the revolutionary modern musicals to the legendary 16-year run of Les Misérables. Entering the Imperial might make you feel like you've stepped into another time. With its Adam-style architecture, elaborate embellishments, and refined atmosphere, this theater is a recognized landmark in New York City. Intricate plasterwork, floral and geometric patterns, and a warm color palette adorn the auditorium and adjacent interiors of the venue, which often pairs well with the shows it performs.
About Imperial Theatre
- Total seating capacity: The Imperial has 1,457 seats split across three sections: an Orchestra and two Mezzanines.
- Orchestra: The Center Orchestra offers the best views of the stage. Seats toward the front are more immersive and go for premium rates, while seats in the middle rows offer great views at lower rates.
- Front Mezzanine: The elevation of this section is just right to give you a view of the whole stage at all times without the premium rates of the front Orchestra seats of the distance of seats in the Rear Mezzanine.
- Rear Mezzanine: The distance of this section from the stage might make it less favorable, but it usually offers the most affordable seats in the house.
Imperial Theatre, New York seating chart >
The Imperial opened with a production of the Mary Hay starrer, Mary Jane, an instant hit that would run for 151 performances. This success was no beginner's luck, as the theater would stage the operetta Rose-Marie the following year which would run for over 500 performances, a run that grossed enough to fund the Hammerstein's Theatre. It continued to stage successful shows, its run being hampered by neither the Great Depression nor the war.
From the iconic 16-year run of Les Misérables to groundbreaking contemporary musicals, the Imperial stage has witnessed countless triumphs. It's a place where legends are born and stories come alive through song and dance. And it continues this legacy with hit shows like Water for Elephants.
- Classic design: Stepping into the Imperial can feel like being transported to a bygone era. A designated New York City landmark, this Adam-style theater is layered with ornate details and an air of sophistication.
- Interior highlights: The auditorium and surrounding interiors feature intricate plasterwork and floral and geometric patterns, with a warm color palette that often complements the productions the venue stages.
- Grand auditorium: The auditorium's most notable features adorn its walls, particularly surrounding the Boxes. The proscenium arch, plasterwork floral designs, and pilasters topped with decorative capitals are stunning enough on their own but awash in classic red and gold, they are a testament to the theater's history as a venue built over 100 years ago.
- Details: The interior walls also feature artistic elements, such as bas-relief dancing figures, Adam-style friezes, cornices and modillions, as well as ornate panels and plasterwork that depict winged fairy-like figures holding the classic theatrical masks representing drama and comedy.
- Mary Jane McKane (1923)
- Hamlet (1936)
- Ziegfeld Follies (1943)
- Annie Get Your Gun (1946)
- Silk Stockings (1955)
- On the Town (1971)
- Pippin (1972)
- Cabaret (1987)
- Billy Elliot the Musical (2008)
- Les Misérables (2014)
- Ain't Too Proud (2019)
- Water for Elephants (2024)
Know before you go
- Address: 249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Subway: The closest station is 42nd Street – Port Authority Bus Terminal which is on the A, C, and E lines and within a five-minute walk from the theater.
- Bus: The stop at West 46th Street and 8th Avenue is the closest to the theater. It services lines M20 and M104.
- Parking: There are several paid parking garages nearby, including multiple City Parking lots (West 48th Street, West 45th Street, and West 44th Street) and Icon Parking lots (West 43rd Street and 6th Avenue), that are only a few minutes from the theater.
- Cloakroom: You may check your bags and coats at the cloakroom. The Imperial generally does not check large luggage, backpacks, electric or battery-powered transportation devices, and other large items. It's best to avoid bringing this wherever possible.
- Concessions: There are concession stands on both the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels that provide a limited menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
- Water fountain: You can access the water fountain in the lobby.
- Level access: The theater has a step-free entrance from 249 West 45th Street and step-free access to the designated seating areas.
- Designated seating: Wheelchair-accessible, companion, and transfer seats are available in the Orchestra. The two Mezzanines have transfer seats but are only accessible via stairs.
- Restroom: There is a wheelchair-accessible unisex restroom near the inner lobby on the main level.
- Hearing and visual assistance: The theater provides infrared assistive listening devices, downloadable audio descriptions, captioning devices, and more for patrons with hearing or visual needs.
- Arrive early: We recommend reaching the theater at least 15-30 minutes before your show starts so you have enough time to check your items and get to your seat.
- Dress code: There is no strict dress code at this theater but smart casuals are recommended. Patrons often dress up in formal attire, such as a full tuxedo, for the ballet or opera, so feel free to wear your best to these shows if you'd like.
- Age restrictions: The theater does not permit children under the age of 4.
- Prohibited items: Weapons or sharp objects, flammable liquids, recording or noisemaking devices, glass bottles or cans, and outside food or drinks are prohibited at this venue. All baggage will be subjected to security screening.
- Trattoria Trecolori: Lively Italian restaurant and bar popular for its red-sauce dishes and warm ambiance.
- Directions to Trattoria Trecolori
- Carmine's: Southern Italian family-style restaurant serving large portions in a homely environment.
- Directions to Carmine's
- Marseille: Popular pre-theater hangout serving French-Meditteranean cuisine including various salads, couscous, hummus plates, pasta, seafood, and much more.
- Directions to Marseille
- Daniela Trattoria: Gorgeous, rustic, 2-story brick-walled restaurant serving Northern Italian cuisine including classic pasta and pizzas.
- Directions to Daniela Trattoria
- Glass House Tavern: Laidback New American bistro popular as a pre-theater stop for meals.
- Directions to Glass House Tavern
Frequently asked questions about Imperial Theatre
Located at 249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States, this venue can be reached easily via public transport.
The theater opened in 1923 with the hit musical Mary Jane McKane and continued its remarkable century-long run with multiple long-running musicals and plays in its roster. The theater has retained many of its original interior design features, warranting its status as a designated New York City landmark, and continues to showcase acclaimed productions.
The partially accessible theater has a step-free entrance, designated seating for wheelchair users, their companions, and patrons who prefer transfer seats with step-free access, an accessible unisex restroom on the main floor, and an at-seat service for food and drinks purchased at the venue. The rest of the venue is not as accessible and can only be reached via stairs equipped with handrails. Hearing and visual assistance devices are provided at the theater and can be collected from the Audience Services kiosk after providing a valid ID as a deposit.
Prices vary from show to show, depending on the dates and seats selected. Tickets to *Water for Elephants* currently start at $74.5.
The theater's 1,457 are split across the Orchestra, Front Mezzanine, and Rear Mezzanine sections. Row C leading the the middle rows of the Orchestra offers some of the best and most immersive experiences, with the front rows going for premium rates. These are especially great for dramatic plays or similar shows that focus on character-driven performances. The front to middle rows of the Front Mezzanine are also known to offer great views, with the middle rows offering great value for your money. These are great seats for larger ensemble productions and musicals.
Located within the Broadway district, this theater is just a hop, skip, and jump away from some of New York's most popular attractions, including Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Times Square, Central Park, the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and so many more iconic landmarks. It is also, however, within walking distance of a variety of local haunts, popular hangouts, hidden gems, and more. Explore the area before or after your show and take in the sights, sounds, and vibe of the theater district.
