
Park Avenue Armory
About Park Avenue Armory
- The Park Avenue Armory has a seating capacity of 1,500 seats in its Wade Thompson Drill Hall.
- It has an additional seating capacity for 300 people in the Reception rooms.
- The seating plan varies according to the production and event set to take place.
Constructed between 1877 and 1881, the Armory was built as a military facility and social club for the Seventh Regiment of the New York National Guard. The building reflected their prominence and provided a commanding presence along Park Avenue, serving as a center for military training and social gatherings for the members. By the early 20th century, the Armory began hosting cultural events, exhibitions, and performances, transforming into a vibrant hub of artistic expression.
In 2006, the space was taken over by the Seventh Regiment Armory Conservancy and is now home to the non-profit Park Avenue Armory which hosts everything from intimate dinners to large-scale performances and exhibitions. Its history includes notable events such as the first performance art piece in 2007, the first piece commissioned by the Park Avenue Armory Conservancy in 2009, and the North American premiere of Ariane Mnouchkine and Théâtre du Soleil's Les Éphémères in 2014.
- Architect Charles W. Clinton designed the Park Avenue Armory in the Gothic Revival architectural style featuring a red-brick facade with intricate detailing, robust arches, decorative motifs, and a sense of grandeur.
- The reception and company rooms are adorned by the work of renowned artists and designers like Louis Comfort Tiffany, Stanford White, Herter Brothers, and Pottier & Stymus.
- The 55,000-square-foot drill hall is reminiscent of the original Grand Central Depot and European train sheds. It features an 80-foot-high barrel-vaulted roof supported by massive iron trusses.
- The Armory is currently undergoing a $210-million renovation designed by Herzog & de Meuron with Platt Byard Dovell White Architects.
- The Fall of the City (1937)
- Tamara (1987)
- Die Soldaten (2008)
- The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic (2013)
- Macbeth (2014)
- The Hairy Ape (2017)
- The Lehman Trilogy (2019)
- A Room in India (2023)
Know before you go
- Bus: Take the M101, M102, or M103 (limited and local) buses to 68th Street and Lexington Avenue. You can also take the M66 bus to Lexington Avenue and 67th Street (Westbound) or Madison Avenue and 68th Street (Eastbound). The Armory is a 3-minute walk from all the stops.
- Subway: Take the 6 train to 68th Street/Hunter College. The Armory is a 3-minute walk from the station. You can also take the F or Q trains to 63rd Street/Lexington Avenue. The venue is a 6-minute walk from there.
- Citi Bike: You can park your Citi Bike at the docking station on the corner of 67th Street and Park Avenue.
- Parking: Park Avenue Armory does not have a parking facility but there are several garages nearby like Manhattan Parking Group, Prime Parking Systems, Chelnik Parking, SP+ Parking, and NYC Parking.
- Recommended mode of transport: The subway is a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the venue. It minimizes travel time and offers a hassle-free experience.
- Washroom: The venue offers clean, well-equipped, and conveniently located washrooms.
- Information desk: An information desk is available at the theater to assist visitors with inquiries, ticketing, and other assistance they may need during their visit.
- Lost & found: Visit or call the main security desk at (212) 616-3950, Ext. 1, if you have lost, forgotten, or misplaced your belongings.
- Tours: The Armory offers 75-minute guided tours of its premises during ticketed programming and on select dates.
- Will call: Tickets can be held at the Box Office and picked up at Will Call or emailed as a PDF.
- Food and bar: The Armory lounge serves light concessions and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the After Hours lounge is open after most evening performances. Patrons also receive special offers at select nearby restaurants.
- Assisted access: A sidewalk-level entrance is available at 103 East 66th Street, just east of Park Avenue.
- Wheelchair access: This venue is wheelchair-friendly with accessible seating areas and transfer seats with folding armrests.
- Accessible seating: For some productions, ticket buyers have the option to select their seats, while for other productions, they will automatically be assigned the best available seats for that zone.
- Assistive listening devices: The Armory provides assistive listening devices upon request. You can arrange for assisted access by calling the main security desk at (212) 616-3950, Ext. 1.
- Accessible restroom: Accessible restrooms are available inside the theater.
- Advance booking: If you require special assistance or wish to book wheelchair spaces, book in advance and notify the theater of any special requirements.
- Trained staff: The staff at the theater is trained and well-equipped to assist guests with reduced mobility or disability issues.
- Advance booking: Book tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, to secure the best seats.
- Arrive early: Reach the theater at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Food & drinks: No outside food and drinks are allowed inside the theater.
- Mobile phones: Turn off phones and other electronic devices before the performance.
- Refreshments: Purchase snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the venue's bars and concessions before or after the performance.
- Identification: Bring a valid photo ID for verification and ticket pickup.
- Kids: Children below 8 are not permitted for the shows and events unless notified otherwise.
- Photography: Taking pictures and video recording is strictly prohibited inside the theater.
You'll find dining options to suit every taste near the Park Avenue Armory. Here are some restaurants located within walking distance:
- Tony's Di Napoli: An Italian restaurant renowned for its family-style dining and hearty portions, it offers classic dishes like pasta and pizza in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Directions to Tony's Di Napoli
- Match 65 Brasserie: An elegant French restaurant offering chic Parisian ambiance, a diverse menu of classics, including steak frites and seafood, and an extensive wine list. Armory members get a 5% discount and free mini chocolate chip cookies!
- Directions to Match 65 Brasserie
- The East Pole: A stylish American restaurant known for its farm-to-table ethos and seasonal menu of contemporary dishes inspired by traditional American cuisine.
- Directions to The East Pole
- Alice's Tea Cup, Chapter 2: A whimsical tea room inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland offering a delightful selection of teas, scones, sandwiches, and desserts.
- Directions to Alice's Tea Cup, Chapter 2
- Daniel: An acclaimed French restaurant led by Chef Daniel Boulud known for its elegant ambiance, focus on seasonal ingredients, and impeccable service.
- Directions to Daniel
Frequently asked questions about Park Avenue Armory
The Armory is over 140 years old.
It was built between 1877 and 1881.
643 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
The theater can accommodate around 1,500 people.
There is no strict dress code for this venue. Dress comfortably.