Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 W 46th St., Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10036
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre has a distinguished history in New York City’s theater scene. Opening in 1910, it was originally named the Globe Theatre, after Shakespeare’s theater in England (it even had a retractable roof). Following a stint as a Midtown movie house, it reopened under its new name in 1958 and has since hosted such productions as Hello, Dolly! and Titanic.
The Basics
With a 1,509-person capacity, the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre is known for hosting some of the most popular musicals in town, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. The theater occupies a beaux-arts-style building with period details such as glass chandeliers and frescoed walls. Seats are tight but steeply tiered, which means that even from the back, views are generally unobstructed. The Lunt-Fontanne is a NYC Designated Manhattan Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre is a must-visit for lovers of the theatrical arts.
The theater has accessible seating in the orchestra section for visitors with disabilities.
Full-service bars are located in the theater’s lower lounge, on the main level, and on the mezzanine level.
Outside food and drink is prohibited.
How to Get There
Located just off Times Square in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. Subway riders can take the C or E train to 50th Street or the N or R to 49th Street. Both stations are less than a 5-minute walk away.
When to Get There
Performances typically take place Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with additional matinees on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons; exact times vary by production. The box office is open Monday to Saturday from midmorning until evening.
Photographic History
In the lobby, theatergoers can view a selection of photographs from the private collection of America’s foremost husband-and-wife acting couple, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, after whom the theater was renamed. Long associated with Noël Coward and prominent from the 1920s to the 1950s, the couple starred in the new iteration of the theater’s first production,The Visit.
Ways to explore
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre is known for hosting some of the most popular musicals in town, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. Seats are tight but steeply tiered, which means that even from the back, views are generally good and unobstructed—even in the nosebleed section.
The Lunt-Fontanne is an NYC Designated Manhattan Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also one of only nine Broadway theatres in The Nederlander Organization. Beyond show tickets, you can learn all about it on a guided tour of NYC’s theatre district.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible on the ground level with designated seating areas, assistive listening devices available, and accessible restrooms
Age limits
Children under age 4 are typically not permitted in Broadway theaters.
What to pack
Small purse or bag, tickets (digital or printed), light jacket or sweater for air conditioning
What to wear
Many patrons dress up for Broadway shows. There’s no strict dress code, but avoid shorts, flip-flops, and overly casual clothing.
Not allowed
Large bags, backpacks, outside food and beverages, recording devices, photography during performances
Amenities
Bar service, concessions, merch and souvenirs, coat check, air conditioning, restroom facilities on multiple levels
Address
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre is in Midtown Manhattan. Public transit, hailing a taxi, or ridesharing are your best options.
Driving
While you could drive to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, navigating through Times Square isn’t fun, easy, or cheap. Parking garages often charge between $40 and $50 for just a few hours. If you can’t take the subway, book a taxi or a rideshare service.
Public transportation
Take the subway to Times Square 42nd St station on the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S lines, or the 50th St stop on the 1 line. Either way puts you a few blocks from the theatre.
Best times to visit
About half an hour before your show. That’ll get you time to find your seats, grab a drink, use the restroom, and take in the theatre’s fab beaux arts architecture.
Best days to visit
Weeknights mean better deals and smaller, more local crowds (the earlier in the week, the more discounts available). Weekends are busier with tourists. There are no shows on Mondays.
Best months to visit
January to April, when NYC’s slow season occurs, which can result in more ticket availability and smaller crowds.
Special events
The Lunt-Fontanne typically puts up one show at a time, like clockwork, with multiple showings on Saturday and Wednesday. Opening nights are an extra-special affair, with guests dressing to the nines.
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