Nederlander Theater

The Basics

You can see the glitzy facade of the Nederlander Theatre on a walking tour of Manhattan’s Theater District—these tours provide historical information about the venues and may let visitors enter some theaters. The best way to experience the theater is by seeing a show; book your ticket in advance for better seating. The Nederlander Theatre has hosted productions includingPretty Woman: The Musical,Guys and Dolls, andRent, which ran from 1996 through 2008.

Things to Know Before You Go

Nederlander Theatre is a must-visit for lovers of the theatrical arts and New York history.

The theater has accessible seating for visitors with disabilities.

There is one wheelchair-accessible restroom on the Orchestra level.

You can purchase refreshments at the bars on the Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Third Floor levels.

The theater does not have a dress code.

How to Get There

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District, the Nederlander Theatre is easy to get to from anywhere in the city by public transit. The nearest subway station is Times Square - 42nd Street, a 2-minute walk away and served by the N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7. Subway riders can also take the A, C, or E to 42nd Street-Port Authority, a 3-minute walk away.

When to Get There

Show times vary depending on what is playing, but typically there is an evening performance Tuesday through Saturday, a matinee performance on Sunday, and an additional matinee on Saturday. It is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain in order to find your seats and get settled. Latecomers are seated during suitable breaks.

History of the Nederlander Theatre

At the end of Rent's long run in 2008, the theater underwent renovations, reopening in 2009 with Guys and Dolls. During the restoration, records were discovered indicating that the venue was built as a carpenter's shop in 1920. This makes the Nederlander one of a handful of Broadway venues not originally built as a theater—the others include the Winter Garden, which was originally the American Horse Exchange.

Ways to explore

The best way to experience the Nederlander Theatre is by attending a Broadway show. Book your ticket in advance as popular seats, especially the central orchestra, the front mezzanine, and the boxes, can sell out quickly. The theater has hosted several short-run productions over recent years, with 2025 shows including Idina Menzel’s Redwood and the 1-man comedy Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride.

Guided walking tours of the Broadway Theater District and Times Square often pass by the Nederlander Theatre, allowing theatergoers to learn more about the history of Broadway in New York City.

Accessibility

The theater is wheelchair-accessible, and there are limited accessible, aisle-transfer, and low-vision or hearing-disabled seats available in the orchestra; one wheelchair-accessible restroom is located on the orchestra level. Assisted-listening devices, hand-held captioning devices, and audio descriptions are available on request.

Age limits

Children must be at least 4 years old; some shows may have parental advisory warnings or a recommended minimum age.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, photo ID, glasses (if needed), binoculars, reusable water bottle, lozenges

What to wear

Smart-casual clothing, layers (the venue is air-conditioned)

Not allowed

Using cell phones, cameras, and recording devices during the show; outside food and drink; large bags and luggage (there’s no coat check)

Amenities

Concession stands, restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address

The Nederlander Theatre is on West 41st Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, just off Broadway. You can reach the theater on foot from Times Square and other Midtown Manhattan attractions, or by public transportation.

Driving

Driving through Manhattan’s gridlocking traffic isn’t worth the stress—or the expensive parking fees. Do as New Yorkers do and take the subway, hail a cab, or use a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

The easiest way to get to the theater is by subway. Take the N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, or 7 train to Times Square–42nd St, just one block away, or the A, C, or E train to 42nd St–Port Authority, two blocks away.

Best times to visit

Most evening shows begin at 7:30pm, while matinee performances usually start at 3pm. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to find your seat.

Best days to visit

Opt for a midweek show for a quieter experience—Times Square and Broadway are busiest on Friday and Saturday night—and a greater chance to secure last-minute or reduced-rate tickets. The theater is closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Budget travelers can snag some bargains in quiet months like late-January and February, but if you don’t mind the crowds, book tickets for a Broadway show over the holiday season and combine it with a tour of the Christmas lights.

Special events

The annual Broadway on Broadway event markets the start of the new Broadway season each September with a free open-air concert in Times Square.