The theater opened in 1965 after several years of planning and construction, making it currently nearly 60 years old.

The venue is named for the former actress and heiress Vivian Beaumont Allen who donated $3 million for its construction. Allen was notably an ardent philanthropist, having founded the charitable Vivian Beaumont Society which went on to donate another $2.1 million for the training of the Lincoln Center Repertory Company's members. True to its namesake's legacy, the Vivian Beaumont Theater would go on to become one of the largest not-for-profit theaters.

The theater is 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States, and is easily reached via public transport.

The theater's 1080 seats are split across a stadium-like setup of two steeply raked sections. The rear section is elevated, allowing for clearer views even from the furthest seats. However, due to the theater's flexible stage setup and the curved seating area wrapping around the front of the stage. some seats experience partial obstructions for certain shows. Seats closer to the front, particularly in the Center Orchestra, offer you the clearest views without any obstructions.

Children below five years of age are not allowed at this venue.

This venue is a little removed from Times Square and the Theater District, allowing you to explore a different part of the city's live entertainment hub. The Lincoln Center has many areas worth exploring, especially the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, with equally exciting venues just outside its doors, like the American Folk Art Museum. Landmarks like Central Park are also easy to reach from this theater.