Minskoff Theatre
200 W 45th St., Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10036
Perhaps best known as the longtime home to the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical,The Lion King, the Minskoff Theatre is a must-see for theater lovers. Book a show to check out the glass-fronted venue, which offers views of glitzy Times Square from its third-floor lobby and stages performances six days a week.
The Basics
The best way to experience the Minskoff Theatre is at a live performance. Since shows at the Minskoff tend to sell out, it's best to book tickets in advance. You can also catch a glimpse of the theater as you stroll around Times Square. If you prefer not to navigate New York City on your own, book a Theater District tour and learn more about the Minskoff and neighborhood history.
Things to Know Before You Go
You enter at street level, but head upstairs to find coat check, restrooms, and the theater's concessions.
Arrive early to relax with a drink—the theater's bars offer refreshments 45 minutes before each performance.
Though there's no official dress code at the theater, plan to dress up rather than down.
The theater offers both matinee and evening performances.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the Minskoff Theatre is by subway. Several lines stop nearby, including N, Q, R, W and 1, 2, 3, which all stop at Times Square - 42nd Street. You can also take the A, C, E to 42nd Street - Port Authority Bus Terminal.
When to Get There
Be sure to arrive with enough time before the show time to check your coat and find your seats. Shows are staged Tuesday through Sunday. The theater is dark on Monday. On Wednesday and Saturday, there are two performances—one in the afternoon and one in the evening—offering greater flexibility and the chance to avoid peak evening crowds.
Take a Break in Bryant Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of Times Square at nearby Bryant Park. Just a few blocks away at 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue, find a 10-acre (4-hectare) oasis in Midtown. Relax on a bench with a coffee, stroll the tree-lined walkways, and grab a snack at a kiosk. If you visit in December, check out the vendor-packed Bryant Park Winter Village market—a great place for shopping.
Ways to explore
The best way to experience the Minskoff Theatre is by attending a live performance of The Lion King. Since shows at the Minskoff tend to sell out, you should purchase your tickets well ahead of your trip, though you can sometimes scoop discounted rush tickets last-minute.
Even if you don’t plan to watch The Lion King, you can still glimpse the theater while exploring Times Square. If you prefer not to navigate New York City on your own, book a Theater Districtwalking tour and learn more about the Minskoff Theatre and Broadway history.
Accessibility
The theater has dedicated wheelchair seating and also provides on-demand audio descriptions, closed captioning, and headsets for sound augmentation.
Age limits
The Lion King is aimed at kids aged 6 and up; those under 2 are not permitted in the theater.
What to pack
Your phone (for digital ticket entry), small handheld bag
What to wear
There is no dress code at the Minskoff Theatre, so wear whatever you’re comfortable in—bring warm layers to account for the air conditioning.
Not allowed
Luggage or large bags (including shopping bags), outside food and drink, large cameras or recording equipment
Amenities
Concessions, restrooms, merchandise sales
Address
The Minskoff Theatre is located on 7th Avenue, between 44th and 45th Streets, in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District and just a few blocks north of Times Square. Public transit, tours with included transport, and taxis or rideshare services offer great ways to get there.
Driving
New York City—especially Midtown Manhattan—is very congested, and parking is only reliably available in expensive parking garages. That means it’s usually better to take a taxi or a rideshare rather than drive yourself.
Public transportation
By subway, take the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, or S trains to Times Square–42nd Street, located a few blocks away. Alternatively, take the B, D, F, or M trains to 42nd Street–Bryant Park.
Best times to visit
Showtimes vary depending on the day of the week and month; on many days, both matinees and evening performances are offered.
Best days to visit
The Minskoff Theatre does not regularly host The Lion King performances on Mondays, but it’s best to research its calendar for specific showtime information.
Best months to visit
Performances are offered year-round; expect them to sell out more quickly during the summer and winter holiday tourist high seasons.
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