Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater (LCT)
The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, located on the lower level of the Vivian Beaumont Theater building, opened to the public on November 10, 1967. Initially named the Forum, it was part of the now-defunct Repertory Theater of Lincoln Center. After the Festival left Lincoln Center in 1978, the Newhouse Theater was largely rented out to outside producers or remained unused for seven years. A new resident company was established in 1979, but it only staged two short runs at the Newhouse in 1981. Seating Capacity: 299 Lincoln Center Theater
About Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater
- Seating capacity: The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater has a capacity of 299 seats.
- Single-section auditorium: This is a small venue with just one Orchestra section that wraps around the stage. Wherever you happen to sit, you'll get a clear view of the stage and an intimate viewing experience.
- Best seats: Seats at the outer ends of the rows and in the rear rows are usually cheaper while seats in the Center Orchestra will give you the best views.
- Legroom: This venue has ample legroom across the seating area, but if you'd like a little extra, go for a front-row seat.
Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater seating chart >
The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater opened as the Forum Theater in 1967 with a production of Walking to Waldheim/ Happiness. The Forum notably ran several classic productions, including Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Richard III, and The Tempest. The theater was renamed for philanthropist Caroline H. Newhouse in 1973 and a few years later, staged its longest-running show Streamers.
The theater is now operated by New York's largest not-for-profit theater company, the Lincoln Center Theater, and continues to stage smaller, intimate shows like Corruption and N/A. Its upcoming lineup includes Ghosts.
- Off-Broadway bliss: The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater was one of several planned venues at the current Lincoln Center for Performing Arts site. While some, like the Vivian Beaumont, are larger, this venue is one of the smallest theaters that sits comfortably away from the bustling Theater District and beneath the Beaumont, offering an extremely intimate experience.
- Multipurpose space: The Lincoln complex has multiple performance spaces, a school, and a library.
- Style: The complex features modern and industrial architectural elements and aesthetics, including a tall glass and steel facade, a glass curtain wall, concrete columns, and more.
- Amphitheater auditorium: The interiors are equally industrial, with state-of-the-art technology for lighting and sound design elevating the viewing experience. The complex is filled with artistic elements throughout the interior, but theater spaces are kept minimalist. The Mitzi E. features classic folding seats in a circular setup around the stage.
- Notable Features: The premises include a seven-meter tall blackened steel sculpture by Alexander Calder called Le Guichet, or "the ticket office," and a sculpture by Henry Moore entitled Reclining Figure.
- Walking to Waldheim / Happiness (1967)
- The Tempest (1974)
- Richard III (1974)
- Midsummer Night's Dream (1975)
- Corruption (2024)
- N/A (2024)
- Ghosts (2025)
Know before you go
- Address: 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States
- Bus: The nearest stop is West 65 Street and Amsterdam Avenue on line M66, which stops near the entrance.
- Bike: There is a Citibike sharing station at Amsterdam Avenue and West 66 Street.
- Subway: The station closest to this theater is 66 Street-Lincoln Center on lines 1 and 2.
- Parking: The Icon Parking lot on West 66th Street and SP+ Parking on West 62nd Street are within walking distance of the theater.
- Recommended route: The bus and subway are both easy and cost-efficient options for getting to this venue.
- Concessions and refreshments: The complex has a small lobby bar that serves snacks, refreshments, and alcoholic beverages. While you can't take food or drink inside the auditorium, you can enjoy a bite or drink before or after your show or during intermissions.
- Restrooms: There are restrooms across the complex but owing to its size, the number of them is limited. We recommend visiting them before or after a show to avoid long queues.
- Store: Grab show-related merchandise at the lobby store before you head out.
- Library: The complex's New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center) houses one of the largest performing arts collections.
- Accessible seating: Wheelchair, companion, and transfer seating is available.
- Hearing and vision assistance: This venue provides headsets and induction hearing loops as well as low-vision seating.
- Arrive early: The Lincoln center is located outside the Theater District. It isn't subjected to as much traffic as Broadway, but it might still be harder to find or reach. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to find your way before your show.
- Dress code: The venue has no dress code. If you're unsure of what to wear, smart casuals are your best bet.
- Food policy: No food or drink is allowed inside the theater.
- Photography: All recording of the show is prohibited and large recording equipment is not allowed inside the theater.
- Age restrictions: Children under the age of five are not admitted at this venue.
- Lincoln Ristorante: Authentic Italian cuisine served in a glass-walled dining room inside the Lincoln Center.
- Directions
- La Boite en Bois: Classic French dishes like mushroom ravioli and seafood crepes served at a rustic old-school neighborhood favorite.
- Directions
- Thai 72: Enjoy traditional dishes like BBQ skewers, soups, meats, and more at this stunningly chic contemporary restaurant.
- Directions
to Thai 72
- Marea: Upscale posh restaurant near Central Park serving Italian dishes including famous homemade pasta.
- Directions
to Marea
- Mr.Liu Hot Pot: Old-school Chinese eatery serving dishes like malatang and teriyaki seasoned to perfection.
- Directions to Mr.Liu Hot Pot
Frequently asked questions about Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater
The theater was constructed in 1965 and opened in 1967, making it nearly 60 years old. It was originally called the Forum but was renamed for Caroline H. Newhouse in 1973.
Caroline H. Newhouse was a philanthropist and artist, an original board member of the New York City Opera, and co-founder of the Newhouse Communications Company (now called Advance Publications Inc.), one of the largest communications conglomerates in America. Newhouse supported several organizations like the Career Transition for Dancers, which helped ex-dancers transition to new careers.
The theater is 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States, easily reached via the bus or subway.
The theater has 299 seats within its single section, the Orchestra. The best seats are in the Center, while the most affordable seats are usually on the outer ends of the rows or in the rear.
Children under the age of five are not admitted at this venue.
The Lincoln Theater complex is filled with stunning sights, including the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, home to one of the largest collections on performing arts, and multiple paintings and sculptures. The terrace garden above the Claire Tow Theater overlooking the central plaza is also worth stopping by. Right outside the venue is the American Folk Art Museum and within walking distance you'll find landmarks like Central Park.
