Ambassador Theatre

The Basics

The best way to visit the Ambassador is to stop by for one of its productions, including Tony Award-winning musicals, which are staged six days a week. To find the best seats, it's advised to buy tickets in advance. Another way to see the Ambassador from the outside is on a Theater District walking tour, which allows you to see New York City attractions while learning about the legends of Broadway.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Architecture and design fans enjoy the theater's Adam-style interior plasterwork.

• The theater offers patrons assistive listening and audio description devices.

• Check the calendar in advance—both matinee and evening performances are offered.

• Wheelchair seating is only available in the Orchestra section of the theater.

• Keep your camera in your pocket, since filming and taking photos is prohibited.

How to Get There

The Ambassador Theatre is located at 291 West 49th Street, off of Broadway. To reach the theater by subway, take the 1 train to 50th Street Broadway, or the N, Q, R, or W train to 49th Street. Walking tours of the neighborhood are a convenient way to visit the area and get your bearings.

When to Get There

The Ambassador offers several performances weekly, and the theater is typically dark on Wednesdays. On Saturday and Sunday, performances are offered in both the afternoon and evening—providing more options to fit a show into your busy schedule. Expect bigger crowds between mid-November and the new year, and lower demand in January and February.

Exploring Midtown Manhattan

The Ambassador Theatre is located in the iconic Theater District, a short walk from several of Midtown Manhattan's must-see sights. For a family-friendly activity, stop by the Ripley's Believe it or Not! museum in Times Square, or for a more traditional sightseeing experience visit Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or the light-flooded center of Times Square, at 46th Street and Seventh Avenue.

Ways to explore

You’ll likely spend two to three hours at the Ambassador Theatre enjoying a major Broadway production (staged six days a week). Prebook tickets for the best seats and arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time to explore the theater and its architecture.

Another way to see the Ambassador is from the outside on a Theater District walking tour. These tours allow you to see New York City attractions while learning about Broadway legends. Other options for neighborhood tours include hop-on hop-off bus tours, art and architecture tours, and ticket add-ons such as viewing decks at the top of midtown Manhattan skyscrapers.

Accessibility

Seating for wheelchairs is only available in the Orchestra section of the theater (there are no elevators). Assistive listening and audio description devices are available. There are small steps at the main theater entrance.

Age limits

Children under the age of 4 are not permitted.

What to pack

Small bags only, credit card

What to wear

Dressing up isn’t required, but it is suggested.

Not allowed

Filming and taking photos, outside food and beverage, weapons, pets

Amenities

Concession stands, restrooms, air-conditioning

Address

The Ambassador Theatre is located on West 49th Street, off Broadway. Public transportation or walking are strongly recommended over driving; this is one of Manhattan’s most dense neighborhoods, and drivers will likely find gridlock traffic and expensive parking.

Driving

Check traffic conditions in midtown Manhattan via smartphone app before attempting to drive into the neighborhood. Booking parking in advance can save some money. Options for parking near the Ambassador Theatre include Quik Park at 1601 Broadway and Icon Parking at 235 West 48th Street.

Public transportation

To reach the theater by Sunday, take the 1 train to 50 St stop or the N, Q, R, or W train to the 49 St stop. Continue to the theater on foot.

Best times to visit

The atmosphere is particularly special on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Ambassador Theatre and the Theater District in general. People looking for the most family-friendly environment may want to check out matinee performances.

Best days to visit

The Ambassador offers performances throughout the week, with the theater typically dark on Wednesdays. On Saturday and Sunday, both matinee and evening performances are offered, providing more options for theater fans.

Best months to visit

The biggest crowds (and buzz!) may be found between mid-November and the New Year; some visitors are drawn to the festivities, while others may choose to avoid them. Expect lower demand in January and February, which is ideal for last-minute planners.

Special events

The Ambassador Theatre itself does not host any festivals; however, midtown Manhattan is home to numerous special events, including NYC Broadway Week, the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and New York Comic Con.