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Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA

The Vivian Beaumont Theater, part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, is a Broadway-designated venue. Designed by Eero Saarinen and Jo Mielziner, it opened in 1965 and remains New York’s only Broadway house situated within a performing arts complex. Over the decades, it has hosted acclaimed productions such as My Fair Lady, The Light in the Piazza, Carousel, South Pacific, and The King and I, making it one of Broadway’s most architecturally striking and artistically prestigious theaters. The Vivian Beaumont Theater seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theater.

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About Lincoln Center Theater

  • Performance spaces: The Lincoln Center Theater is home to around 30 indoor and outdoor performance spaces, each with a different seat plan.
  • Vivian Beaumont Theater: It is one of the most popular theaters within the complex with a seating capacity of around 1,039 people.
  • Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater: Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater is an intimate venue that can accommodate around 287 people.
  • Claire Tow Theater: Claire Tow Theater is a famous intimate venue that can accommodate about 112 people.

Lincoln Center Theater was established as a non-profit organization in 1985, but its roots date back to the construction of the Lincoln Center complex in the 1950s and 1960s. The first building, Philharmonic Hall (now David Geffen Hall), opened in 1962, followed by the Metropolitan Opera House in 1966. The Vivian Beaumont Theater, which is part of the complex, was inaugurated with a revival of Georg Büchner's Danton's Death in 1965.

Through the years, Lincoln Center Theater has undergone significant evolution marked by changes in leadership, artistic vision, and the expansion of its physical space and programs. It has been a cornerstone of New York’s cultural scene, having presented a wide variety of theatrical productions, from classic dramas and musicals to avant-garde works such as Anything Goes, The Front Page, and It Ain’t Nothing But The Blues, among others. The theater has become synonymous with artistic excellence, fostering the talents of both established and emerging playwrights, directors, and performers.

  • Modern architectural elements: The theater features modern architectural elements that seamlessly blend with the surrounding campus.
  • A mix of classic and contemporary: Designed by Eero Saarinen, the structure reflects contemporary aesthetics while incorporating elements of classic theater architecture.
  • Design: The theater building features a unique design with a sloping lawn roof and a destination restaurant, offices, and a visitors’ center.
  • Performance spaces: The Vivian Beaumont Theater boasts a distinctive thrust stage, providing an immersive experience for the audience, while the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater features a more traditional proscenium arch design, offering versatility for various types of productions.
  • Danton's Death (1965)
  • The Cherry Orchard (1989)
  • The Wild Party (2000)
  • The Light in the Piazza (2005)
  • South Pacific (2008)
  • War Horse (2011)
  • The Nance (2013)
  • The King and I (2015)
  • Oslo (2017)
  • To Kill a Mockingbird (2018)

Know before you go

  • By bus: Several bus lines, such as M-104, M5, M7, M10, M11, M66, and M104, have stops within a block of the theater. 
  • By subway: The #1 train stops at the 66th Street/Lincoln Center station, which is just one block away from the Lincoln Center Theater.
  • Recommended mode of transport: The recommended mode of transport is the subway, as it is the most convenient and reliable way to reach the theater, especially during peak hours. It saves time because you don’t have to deal with traffic at all.
  • Parking: The Lincoln Center Theater has its own car park within the complex. The Lincoln Center Park and Lock Garage (Self-Service) allow you to reserve parking spots in advance.
  • Washroom: The theater provides clean and accessible restroom facilities for patrons throughout its venues. These facilities are equipped with amenities such as sinks, hand dryers or paper towels, and environment-friendly toiletries.
  • Cloakroom: While specific cloakroom services may vary depending on the production and venue, Lincoln Center Theater typically offers coat check services for patrons during performances.
  • Water filling stations: The venue provides water filling stations within its complex.
  • Gift shop: The venue houses a merchandise booth where you can purchase memorabilia, souvenirs, and other gift items related to the productions or the theater itself.
  • Concession stands: The theater operates concession stands across its performance venues, offering a variety of snacks and beverages for purchase. 
  • Food & drinks: The complex is home to a number of cafes and restaurants for visitors who wish to grab a bite or enjoy a meal before or after shows.
  • Entrances: The complex features wheelchair-friendly entrances and step free access  to all theaters.
  • Water filling stations: Recessed water fountains for easy access are available.
  • Wheelchair accessibility: All performance spaces are wheelchair accessible, with designated seating areas. Additionally, the theaters are equipped with ramps and elevators to facilitate smooth entry and exit for wheelchair users.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms with appropriate facilities are available.
  • Assistive listening systems: Induction hearing loops for assistive listening, closed captioning, and audio description services are available.
  • Discounted tickets: The theaters provide discounted tickets for disabled persons. 
  • Parking: The venue provides designated parking spaces for disabled patrons.
  • Relaxed performances: Designed for individuals with autism, sensory, and communication disorders, as well as families with young children, Relaxed performances provide a modified performance environment.
  • Captioning services: Selected performances are captioned for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. ]
  • Braille information: Elevators and other areas are equipped with braille to assist visually impaired visitors. Braille and large print programs are available upon request.
  • Elderly and young children: The theater offers facilities such as pram storage and family restrooms.
  • Arrive early: Reach the theatre 30 minutes before the show to allow time for parking, ticket collection, and finding your seat. If you’re late, you’ll be seated at the manager’s discretion.
  • Food & drinks: No outside food and drinks are allowed inside the theatre.
  • Mobile phones: Put your mobile phones and other electronic devices on silent during the performance.
  • Identification: Carry a valid photo ID for verification and ticket pickup.
  • Dress code: While there is no strict dress code at Lincoln Center, patrons often dress smartly for performances. Consider the occasion and venue when choosing your attire.
  • Photography: Photography and recording devices are strictly prohibited during performances. Please respect the artists and fellow patrons by refraining from using the camera or indulging in flash photography during the show.
  • Food and beverage: Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the theaters. Concession stands are available for refreshments during intermissions.
  • Silence devices: Please silence or turn off mobile phones and other electronic devices before entering the theater to avoid disrupting the performance.
  • Accessibility needs: If you require any accessibility accommodations, such as wheelchair seating or assistive listening devices, please notify the theater in advance to make necessary arrangements.

You'll find a variety of dining options to suit every taste near the theater. Here are some restaurants located within the theater complex:

  • Lincoln Ristorante:  A glass-walled restaurant within the theater complex, offering an elegant dining experience with breathtaking views of the reflecting pool and contemporary Italian cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients.
  • Directions to Lincoln Ristorante
  • Bar Boulud: This bistro is renowned for its exquisite French cuisine and extensive wine selection in an upscale yet relaxed setting.
  • Directions to Bar Boulud
  • Le Pain Quotidien: A cozy bakery-café offering organic bread, pastries, and light meals with a communal dining experience.
  • Directions to Le Pain Quotidien
  • Rosa Mexicano: This place offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting, featuring signature dishes, like guacamole prepared tableside and traditional tacos, alongside refreshing margaritas.
  • Directions to Rosa Mexicano
  • Marea: This restaurant serves exquisite seafood, showcasing fresh catches and Italian-inspired dishes in an elegant setting, perfect for pre-show dining or special occasions.
  • Directions to Marea
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Frequently asked questions about Lincoln Center Theater

The theater in New York City is about 39 years old and was built in 1985.