Lena Horne Theatre
The Lena Horne Theatre, formerly known as the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, is located at 256 West 47th Street in Manhattan’s Theatre District. Opened in 1926, it was designed by Herbert J. Krapp in a neo-Classical style, featuring elegant plaster ornamentation, a two-level balcony, and warm, intimate acoustics. Renamed in 2022 to honour the legendary performer Lena Horne, the theatre has hosted landmark productions including Waitress, Spring Awakening, Noises Off, and Grease. Its intimate layout and rich architectural detail make it the perfect home for the vibrant, concert-style staging of Six The Musical on Broadway. The Lena Horne Theatre seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theater.
About Lena Horne Theatre
- The theater comfortably seats 1,031 patrons, divided into three sections - 565 in the orchestra, 176 in the front Mezzanine, and 290 in the rear mezzanine.
- Rows B-D of the center orchestra and the first few rows of the center front mezzanine offer the best views, ideal for enjoying musicals and plays.
- Seats in the central section of the front mezzanine are a popular choice for the elevated view of the stage that allows every detail of large productions to come through.
- If you enjoy being close to the stage, pick side seats in the middle orchestra. These seats are halfway along a row and come at really low prices, despite the proximity to the performers.
- Double-digit seats towards the outer edge of all sections are generally tighter but provide decent sightlines at a reasonable cost.
Lena Horne Theatre seating chart >
The Chanin brothers were prominent figures on Broadway, widely appreciated for the Art Deco aesthetic they brought to the district. Their signature, jazzy style shaped six theaters constructed during the golden 1920s, including the Mansfield Theatre. An inaugural performance of The Night Duel was followed by similarly short-lived shows that identified the venue as a 'jinx' house. As the Great Depression shook the US economy, the Chanins soon lost ownership of all their Broadway locations, leading to foreclosures.
Fortunately, Nyamco Associates reopened the venue in 1932, subsequently leasing it to popular producers like Edgar Allen. In the period between the 1930s and 1960, the theater hosted several hit productions, like Behind Red Lights and Years Ago, before briefly serving as a CBS studio. In 1944 producer Michael Myerberg bought the playhouse and later renamed it the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in 1960. Its fortunes turned in 1974 when the Nederlanders took the reins and theater hosted several successful productions including rock-and-roll sensation Grease. The venue acquired its current name in 2022 when several Broadway theater companies decided to honor the legacy of black artists.
- Style: The theater dons a modern Spanish style, designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp. It blends traditional Spanish elements like stucco exteriors and arched doorways with contemporary open floor plans and natural materials.
- Facade: The facade has two sections: a three-story eastern section that features yellow-beige brick and white terracotta decorations, while the western section is simpler, faced entirely in brick.
- Interior: The auditorium is decorated with low-relief plaster and features ornate details such as Corinthian-style pilasters, murals, and a large crystal chandelier.
- Notable Features: The proscenium arch features intricate symbols like anthemia and roped figures, flanked by gilded Corinthian pilasters. The ceiling is divided into two sections by a decorated beam featuring arch-and-fan motifs.
- Juno and the Paycock (1940)
- Phèdre (1963)
- Lolita (1981)
- Jane Eyre (2000)
- The Odd Couple (2005)
- Grease (2007)
- After Midnight (2013)
- Six (2021)
Know before you go
- Address: 256 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Bus: Take the M20 or M104 buses along 8th Avenue to drop off a few steps away from the theater. You can also take the M50 bus along 7th Avenue to W 50 St/7 Av and take a short 6-minute walk.
- Subway: Take the A, C, or E lines to 50th Street station, or the N, Q, R, or W lines to 49th Street, to reach Broadway. Both stations are a 4-minute walk to 47th Street, where the theatre is located.
- Train: The Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) connect to Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station respectively. From here, you can take the subway or S shuttle to Times Square and then walk towards the theater.
- Recommended route: The bus will drop you off closest to the theater at a convenient cost. If you're in the vicinity, especially near landmarks like Times Square or Rockefeller Center, you can also take a stroll to the Theater District.
- Washrooms: Male and female washrooms are located at the mezzanine level. The orchestra level has an adapted toilet for persons with limited mobility.
- Concession: The bar at the mezzanine level serves beverages and snacks before and after the show. Only beverages with secure tops or bottled containers are permitted inside the auditorium.
- If you have special food or drink requirements (due to medical reasons), please seek permission to carry your items inside the theater.
- Security: All baggage is scanned on arrival. Theater staff and security personnel are available throughout the day for the safety of all visitors.
- Bag check: Any large bags, packages, or items that will not fit comfortably at your seat are not permitted inside the theater. Please check storage facilities nearby if you are not able to leave them at home.
- Parking: If you are arriving with a personal vehicle, you can use nearby public garages like Icon Parking, Meyers Parking Garage, and several SP+ Parking locations, each within a 10-minute walk from the venue.
- Accessible seating: Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on a first come first serve basis at the orchestra level. All other sections require the use of stairs. Seats A 1-7 and 2-8 in the orchestra level are reserved for persons with visual and hearing impairments.
- Audio caption: Hand-held captioning devices are available during all performances, for persons with hearing disabilities. These devices can be used during performances to provide real-time captions. You can also access the automated audio descriptions on your personal mobile devices.
- Assisted listening devices: Headsets for sound augmentation are available for patrons with hearing impairments. These devices can be requested at the theatre's customer service desk.
- Arrive early: The nearby area is typically swarmed with visitors which may lead to congestion during peak hours. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your show time to avoid any delays. If it's your first time in the city, we recommend clubbing your Broadway visit with other popular experiences like the Intrepid Museum.
- Enjoy a meal: Arrive early for a pre-theater meal, and explore popular locations like Joe Allen, Carmine's, or Sardi's. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines within walking distance of the venue and spot Broadway celebrities off-stage!
- Take a tour: If you're interested in history, you can catch guided walking tours of the Theatre District and explore unheard stories that have shaped the iconic theaters, including the one you're about to visit!
- Dress comfortably: A trip to New York's bustling Times Square often involves a lot of walking. Wear shoes that can assist you for longer durations and carry a jacket in case you catch a drift. You may also carry a mask or face covering, especially considering the traffic all around the Broadway district.
Friedman’s At The Edison: Enjoy classic American fares like buttermilk fried chicken, burgers, and hearty salads in the retro-chic diner, with plenty of gluten-free options.
-Directions to Friedman’s At The EdisonJunior's Restaurant and Bakery: A local favorite, famous for its New York-style cheesecake and classic American items like pastrami sandwiches and breakfast all day.
-Directions to Junior's Restaurant and BakeryChurrascaria Plataforma: This Brazilian steakhouse offers a rodizio-style dining experience serving a variety of grilled meats, a lavish salad bar, and international dishes.
-Directions to Churrascaria PlataformaMargon: Casual Cuban restaurant known for its bold flavors and generous portions. They provide a no-frills dining experience in a bustling environment.
-Directions to MargonBecco: Devour delicious Italian favorites like fresh homemade pasta, antipasti, and a variety of meat dishes that pair perfectly with their extensive wine list.
-Directions to Becco
Frequently asked questions about Lena Horne Theatre, New York
The Lena Horne Theatre, originally the Mansfield Theatre, opened in 1926.
The venue is in New York's famous Theatre District, at 256 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036.
Icon Parking at 235 West 48th Street is the closest parking facility for visitors arriving in personal vehicles.
The theater comfortably seats approximately 1,031 patrons.
There is no formal dress code, although many theatergoers prefer smart casual or semi-formal attire.
No, recording the performers or the production is not permitted unless specified otherwise. Please use the time before or after a show to capture images or videos.
Children under 4 are not admitted inside the theater. Please check the specific show’s policy before making your purchase.
Lena Horne was an acclaimed singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist. She is particularly celebrated for her contribution to Jazz music and her charismatic presence.
Yes, Lena Horne performed on Broadway in several shows and musicals, including her one-woman revue Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.
To ensure you have a smooth experience, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
