Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

The Basics

Stretching across 16.3 acres (6.6 hectares), Lincoln Center is one of New York’s most significant performing arts campuses. Inaugurated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lincoln Center was built as part of Robert Moses’ sweeping urban planning efforts. Its three main venues are the Metropolitan Opera House, David Geffen Hall, and David H. Koch Theater, though it encompasses dozens of individual performance spaces. Eleven resident organizations are based here, ranging from the Juilliard School and New York City Opera to the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts features on numerous sightseeing and hop-on hop-off bus itineraries around Manhattan. It’s also possible to prebook tickets to select performances held on-site.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Many fashion lovers will recognize Lincoln Center as New York Fashion Week’s former home.

• While the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is the best-known in the city, Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza also puts on an impressive holiday display.

• The Lincoln Center App is free to download and makes it simpler to buy tickets and navigate the campus area.

How to Get There

While Lincoln Center comprises numerous venues that are scattered around its Upper West Side footprint, its primary hub is located on Columbus Avenue between 62nd and 63rd streets. Take the 1 or 2 train to 66th Street; Columbus Circle, which is served by the 1, 2, A, B, C, and D trains, is also within walking distance. The center can additionally be reached by the M5, M7, M10, M11, M66, and M104 buses and by taxi, bike, or on foot.

When to Get There

Given that it comprises dozens of organizations and performance spaces, Lincoln Center puts on events and performances virtually every day of the year. Look up individual venues and showtimes in advance of your visit, and book tickets prior to your travels.

The New York Film Festival

Founded in 1963 and hosted by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the New York Film Festival is one of the city’s major cinematic events. Held from late September to early October, the festival comprises world premieres, screenings, talks, and other star-studded occasions, many of which are open to the public.

Ways to explore

If you book tickets for an opera, ballet, theater performance, or classical music concert in New York City, chances are it will be held at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Snag tickets to a Broadway musical at Vivian Beaumont Theater, get dressed up for a night at the Metropolitan Opera or a ballet at David H. Koch Theater, or catch a free performance at the David Rubenstein Atrium.

Many New York City sightseeing tours visit Lincoln Center, especially those with a focus on art, architecture, or movie locations. Don’t miss the magnificent views from Josie Robertson Plaza.

Accessibility

All Lincoln Center venues are wheelchair accessible, and most offer free wheelchair rentals. Service animals are welcome at all events. Many venues also offer assisted listening devices, braille programs, captioning, and audio descriptions. Access Reps are available on request.

Age limits

Children should be 5 years or older to attend performances. Some shows may have age restrictions or recommendations, so check before booking. The center hosts family-friendly events, many of which are free to attend.

What to pack

Camera, binoculars, photo ID, a light cover-up (venues are air-conditioned), a small bag that will fit under the seat in front

What to wear

Smart-casual clothes—there’s no dress code—but avoid hats and clothing that may restrict others’ views.

Not allowed

Large bags, luggage, outside food and drink at the venues, photography and filming during performances, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades

Amenities

Three restaurants, three cafés, a lobby bar, underground parking, coat checks, restrooms, gift shops, outside seating areas

Address

Lincoln Center’s complex stretches over four blocks along Columbus Avenue between West 63rd and 66th streets on the Upper West Side. It is accessible by car, public transport, or on foot from nearby attractions such as Central Park.

Driving

While it’s not recommended to drive in New York City, especially if you’re not a local, Lincoln Center is just outside of the congestion zone and does have 24-hour parking. Access the parking garage along West 65th or 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.

Public transportation

The closest subway station is 66 St-Lincoln Center at the northeast end of the complex, served by the 1 and 2 trains. Alternatively, take the 1, 2, A, B, C, or D to 59 St-Columbus Circle and walk four blocks. The M5, M7, M10, M11, M66, and M104 buses all stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Come early (between 8am and 10am) to snap some crowd-free shots of the Lincoln Center’s renowned buildings, swing by in the afternoon to grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere in the plaza, or stick around after an evening performance to admire the illuminations.

Best days to visit

It’s busiest—but also most atmospheric—on Thursday through Saturday nights, but Sunday matinee performances are also a good option for families. For last-minute ticket deals, the best options are usually from Monday to Wednesday.

Best months to visit

While many venues host performances year-round, the main season for opera, ballet, and classical concerts is from September through May or June. Visit in summer to enjoy free open-air concerts in the plaza or over the holidays to admire the festive lights at Josie Robertson Plaza.

Special events

Look out for the free Lincoln Center Out of Doors festival and Summer for the City series in summer, the New York Film Festival in fall (September–October), and seasonal specials over the holidays, like the Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet.