David H. Koch Theater

The Basics

Opened as part of the 1964–1965 World’s Fair, the David H. Koch Theater (previously the New York State Theater) was the former home of the New York City Opera. Nowadays, dance fans sing the praises of the theater, which stages everything from panel discussions, company premieres, and scholarship auditions, to brand-new works commissioned from leading choreographers.

The ideal way to experience the Koch Theater is to attend a performance. New York City Ballet shows can sell out quickly, so play it safe by booking tickets in advance. If you don’t get tickets, it’s still worth stopping by on an Upper West Side neighborhood tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour, to marvel at Lincoln Center’s modernist architecture.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The theater is accessible to wheelchairs.

• For patrons requiring hearing assistance, infrared headsets are available for rent at the coat check.

How to Get There

At Columbus Avenue and 63rd Street, the David H. Koch Theater is a few short blocks from Columbus Circle. The easiest way to get there is by subway. Hop on the 1 or 2 train to the 66th Street–Lincoln Center station, or the A, B, C, or D train to 59th Street–Columbus Circle.

When to Get There

The Koch Theater box office is open every day—check the theater’s website for hours. If you’re going to a show, arrive about an hour before it starts, so you have time to pick up your tickets. Weekend shows and premieres tend to be crowded, so plan to see a midweek performance if you can snag tickets.

Exploring Central Park

Just a few blocks east of the David H. Koch Theater is New York's Central Park, a must-see green space in the heart of the city. To see more of the park in less time, take a pedicab tour or rent a bike. Be sure to check out the lake views from Bethesda Fountain, the flower displays in the formal Conservatory Garden, and the Strawberry Fields mosaic celebrating musician John Lennon.

Ways to explore

If you want to see one of the world’s leading ballet companies in action, book tickets for a show at the David H. Koch Theater. With the New York City Ballet performing both classic ballets and contemporary choreography, alongside a variety of touring ballet companies from around the world, there are performances almost every night of the week (in season).

If you can’t get tickets for a ballet, you can also admire the famous theater on a tour of the Lincoln Center or a walking tour of New York’s Upper West Side.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seats are available in the orchestra viewing room, first ring, and fourth ring; accessible restrooms and elevators are provided. Infrared headsets and binoculars available on request (free but deposit required)

Age limits

Children must be 5 years or older

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, camera, binoculars, photo ID, a light cover-up (venues are air-conditioned), a small bag that will fit under the seat in front, reusable water bottle, lozenges

What to wear

Smart-casual clothes (there’s no dress code, but most people dress on the smarter side)

Not allowed

Large bags or suitcases, food and drink in the theater, photography and filming during performances

Amenities

Bar, gift shop, water fountains, coat check, restrooms at Koch Theater; three restaurants, three cafés, a lobby bar, underground parking, outside seating areas, and free Wi-Fi at Lincoln Center

Address

The David H. Koch Theater is part of Lincoln Center and is on the southwest corner of the main plaza at Columbus Avenue and West 63rd Street. It’s easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.

Driving

Driving in Manhattan can be hectic and expensive; it’s less hassle to take a cab or rideshare. However, if you prefer to drive, prepay for parking at Lincoln Center. Entrances are located at 139 West 62nd Street and 85 Amsterdam Avenue.

Public transportation

The subway is the easiest way to get to the theater. The closest station is 66 St-Lincoln Center (1, 2) at the northeast end of Lincoln Center. Alternatively, get off at 59 St-Columbus Circle (1, 2, A, B, C, D) and walk three blocks. The M5, M7, M10, M66, and M104 buses also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Matinee shows are more relaxed than evening shows. The venue operates a strict no latecomers policy, so arrive early.

Best days to visit

Friday evenings, weekend shows, and premieres tend to be crowded, but it’s an atmospheric time to visit the Lincoln Center. Last-minute travelers may have better luck getting tickets for a midweek performance.

Best months to visit

Tickets go on sale in August for the entire season, which runs from September through May. Shows are held in three seasonal blocks of fall (September–October), winter (January–February, including holiday specials in December), and spring (April–May).

Special events

The New York City Ballet’s beloved holiday season performances of The Nutcracker sell out quickly—tickets go on sale in August or September.