The New Amsterdam Theatre in New York is one of the first Broadway establishments to make its way to the Times Square neighborhood. Built between 1902 and 1903, New Amsterdam is the oldest operating theater on Broadway and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its importance to the city’s identity. Its unique design is a stunning ode to New York’s brand of art nouveau, earning it the nickname, “The House Beautiful” upon its opening. This establishment has since become a New York City landmark and is now home to enchanting productions like Disney’s “Aladdin.”
1702 Seats
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible Toilets
Guide Dogs
Assistive Listening System
Washrooms
Air Conditioning
Lift
Ramp
WiFi
Cloakroom
Bar
Water Fountain
The original theater is 120 years old. The renovated establishment, however, is 26 years old, having reopened in 1997.
Hertz and Tallent designed the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1902, and construction was supervised by management and production duo Marc Klaw and Abraham Lincoln Erlanger in 1903. The theater was inaugurated with Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on October 23, 1903.
214 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States.
The theater is accessible via car or taxi, bus, and the subway.
The theater has switched hands several times during its existence. Excessive decay led to its shuttering. But its historical and cultural significance paired with its strategic location attracted the eyes of Disney Theatrical Productions. Following a court battle between Disney and the State, the theater was leased to them for 99 years in 1993.
The New Amsterdam Theatre has a capacity of 1702 seats split across three sections: Orchestra (698), Mezzanine (586), and Balcony (418).
Yes, the theater provides designated seating, adapted washrooms, and assistive listening devices to its patrons with special needs.
The theater has staged productions of well-known titles like A Midsummer Night's Dream, Richard III, Ben-Hur, Ziegfeld Follies, The Band Wagon, Alice in Wonderland, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, and most recently, Aladdin.
The Lion King maintained its run at the New Amsterdam Theatre until 2006. It relocated to the Minskoff Theatre, with Mary Poppins taking its slot.
Aladdin opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 2014 and has run continuously since then, only taking a break during the pandemic. The show has been nominated for multiple awards and is currently the 10th-highest-grossing Broadway production of all time.
The theater has historically been a place that demanded formal wear. Thankfully, most have relaxed these rules over time. So if you’re stressed about what to wear to New Amsterdam Theatre, rest assured, you’ll be permitted entry in everything from your favorite casual outfit to a fully decked-out suit.
The price of tickets at the theater vary based on the show, timings, season, seat position, and more. Rear seats can go for as low as $76 a ticket, and tickets for some shows average at around $275. Tickets for Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre start at $84.
The best seats in the house are at the center of the Orchestra section and offer a truly immersive audiovisual experience. The first few rows of the elevated Mezzanine section behind the Orchestra offer a clear and unobstructed view of the stage. The Balcony, located at the rear, tends to be less favored by most patrons due to not offering the best views, but these sections offer some of the most affordable seats in the theater. It might be best to avoid this section if you deal with conditions like vertigo.
Garvey’s Irish Pub offers a cozy, homely space to knock back a drink or two. If you're looking for a dining experience, try Red Lobster, Tony's Di Napoli, or St. Cloud Rooftop.
The theater sits in the heart of one of the most bustling parts of the city. Several attractions are within walking distance, including Times Sqaure, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Madison Square Garden, and the Rockefeller. If you're not big on walking or require a more accessible option, the city's public transport will take you anywhere with ease.