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Public Theater

425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003, USA

About Public Theater

  • Seating capacity: The Public Theater can accommodate a total of 1,216 people.
  • Performance spaces: The theater comprises six performance spaces - Anspacher Theater, LuEsther Hall, Martinson Theater, Newman Theater, Shiva Theater, and Joe’s Pub.
  • Joe’s Pub: Joe’s Pub is a performance space cum restaurant that can accommodate 184 people but the seating plan can be modified according to the event.

The Public Theater, founded by Joseph Papp in 1954, has been a cornerstone of American theater for about 70 years now. It started as the Shakespeare Workshop and, in 1967, moved to the historic Astor Library Building on Lafayette Street. The library building was in disuse and faced demolition in 1965. But The Public Theater persuaded the city to buy it to be used as a theater. Architect  Giorgio Cavaglieri, then, converted the building into the theater that we see today.

Over the years, the theater has expanded its reach, establishing several initiatives and nurturing the talents of emerging playwrights and performers. It underwent a $40 million renovation in 2009 and reopened in 2012. It has been running Shakespeare in the Park performances for free at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park since 1954. The Public has also won several awards including 60 Tony Awards and 6 Pulitzer Prizes.

  • Style and structure: The Public Theater is housed in the historic Astor Library building, a Romanesque Revival structure dating back to the 19th century.
  • Renovation: Renovations in the 1960s transformed the space into a modern theater complex while preserving its original architecture.
  • Design: The design blends classical elements (symmetrical facade, columns, and a grand entrance) with contemporary touches (modern materials and technologies, such as energy-efficient systems and advanced lighting and sound systems, as well as the integration of the building with the surrounding urban environment), creating a dynamic environment for theatrical performances and cultural events.
  • Performance spaces: The theater complex is home to office spaces, a restaurant cum bar named The Library, and six performance spaces including Joe’s Pub, a cabaret-style venue that hosts live performances across genres and arts, ranging from cabaret and dance to music concerts.
  • Hair (1967)
  • Sticks and Bones (1971)
  • That Championship Season (1972)
  • A Chorus Line (1975)
  • The Merchant of Venice (2010)
  • Here Lies Love (2013)
  • Hamilton (2015)

Know before you go

  • By subway: Take the R or W train on the yellow line to 8th Street Station or the #6 train on the green line to Astor Place Station. The theater is a short walk from both these stations.
  • By bus: You can take the M2, M3, or M8 bus to 8th Street and 4th Avenue; the M5 or M6 bus to 8th Street and Broadway, the M15 bus to 2nd Avenue and 9th Street, or the M101 or M102 bus to 8th Street and Cooper Union. The theater is a short walk from all these stops.
  • Recommended mode of transport: The recommended mode of transport is the subway because it is the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel. It also saves a lot of time.
  • Parking: Public Theater does not have a parking facility of its own but there are a few parking garages nearby including a couple of them on 403 and 410 Lafayette Street, where you can get a 5% discount if you show them your Joe Pub’s coupon/voucher. Other parking spots include Edison ParkFast, MPG Parking, and Champion Parking.
  • Restrooms: There are well-maintained, clean washrooms throughout the venue.
  • Rehearsal studios: The theater houses rehearsal studios featuring green room spaces, seating options, kitchenettes, and conference rooms.
  • Gift shop: Explore The Public Theater Store and Joe’s Pub Store to pick up souvenirs and merchandise, like books, apparel, accessories, and more.
  • Event space: The venue offers several spaces that can be rented for projects and activities. Reach out to the management to ask about availability and requirements.
  • Food & drinks: Enjoy appetizers, snacks, or a proper meal along with drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at The Library or Joe’s Pub.
  • Digital content: Accessible digital content, including audio-described versions of performances are available.
  • Alternate formats: Large print, audio, and Braille playbills are available upon request.
  • Audio description: Live verbal descriptions of performances for blind or low-vision guests are available.
  • Assistive listening devices: The theater provides devices to amplify and clarify sound for patrons with hearing impairments.
  • American Sign Language interpretation: Interpreted performances are scheduled for select events at the theater.
  • Open captioning: Live text is displayed during performances for guests with hearing impairments.
  • Accessible entrances: All entrances are accessible, with elevators available.
  • Accessible seating: The theater provides wheelchair-accessible seating, with options to remain in wheelchairs or transfer to theater seats.
  • Accessible restrooms: All restrooms inside the theater are wheelchair-accessible, with companion care facilities available.
  • Courtesy wheelchairs: Courtesy wheelchairs, including bariatric and elevating leg-rest options, are available upon request.
  • Sensory considerations: The theater considers production effects and content sensitivities, with options for sensory-friendly experiences. Earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys are available at the box office.
  • Reach early: Reach 20-30 minutes before the performance begins. If you’re late, seating is at the discretion of the venue management.
  • No pictures: Do not carry cameras or click pictures using your mobile phone. Photography and videography is strictly prohibited inside the theater.
  • No large bags: Bags that exceed the 16" x 16" x 8" size, including suitcases and duffle bags, are not allowed inside the theatre. Bags that do not fit under your seat are prohibited. However, exceptions will be made for bags used for ADA or medical reasons.
  • Food & beverages: Outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited inside the theater.

There are a variety of dining options to suit every taste near the Public Theater in New York. Here are a few of them located within walking distance:

  • Misirizzi: An authentic Italian restaurant offering the best of Italy, including fresh homemade pasta, and a cozy, casual-cool vibe. The Lasagna Della Nonna and Mafaldine Carbonara are highly recommended.
  • Directions to Misirizzi
  • Brickyard Craft Kitchen & Bar: A gastropub and sports bar serving freshly prepared dishes, along with a lively setting for craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers. You must try their NY Strip Steak & Fries!
  • Directions to Brickyard Craft Kitchen & Bar
  • ISE Restaurant: An intimate Japanese restaurant with a relaxed vibe, specializing in soba noodles, sushi, sashimi, and maki. The selection of soba noodles as well as the Soba & Sushi Course are worth trying.
  • Directions to ISE Restaurant
  • Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery: A Belle Epoque-style brasserie and bakery serving classic French dishes and cocktails in a bustling atmosphere. If you wish to grab a quick bite, drop in for a croissant, pain au chocolat, a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate.
  • Directions to Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery

Frequently asked questions about Public Theater

The theater was founded in 1954 as the Shakespeare Workshop.