New Amsterdam Theatre

The Basics

The New Amsterdam Theatre combines a tall Beaux Arts–style facade with an intimate art nouveau 1,702-seat auditorium decorated with floral, grapevine, and peacock reliefs. Known in its early years for hostingThe Ziegfeld Follies (a theatrical revue with dancing women), the theater started to decline after the Great Depression. Leased in 1993 by the Walt Disney Company and restored over the next couple of years, the New Amsterdam now presents big-name Disney productions.

The best way to experience the New Amsterdam is to catch a show—secure your seats in advance. For a behind-the-scenes look at the New Amsterdam as well as the surrounding Theater District, opt for a Broadway walking tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The New Amsterdam Theatre is ideal for theatergoers, history enthusiasts, and Disney fans.

• The theater is accessible to wheelchairs, with designated seating.

• Complimentary booster cushions are available for children.

• On-site facilities include restrooms and a bar.

How to Get There

Located at 214 West 42nd Street, the New Amsterdam is easy to get to via subway. Take the N, Q, R, or W train to 42nd Street–Times Square station, then walk westward along West 42nd Street toward 8th Avenue. If you’re driving, several paid parking garages are available nearby.

When to Get There

The theater typically stages eight performances a week—check the schedule. Get there at least 15 minutes before showtime. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6:30pm.

Things to See at the New Amsterdam Theatre

Don’t miss the lobby’s sculptural renditions of Shakespeare’s plays, or the auditorium’s right-hand wall graced with prominent theater figures (including Will Rogers and Florenz Ziegfeld, producer ofThe Ziegfeld Follies). And keep a lookout for the resident ghost—Ziegfeld chorus girl Olive Thomas. Olive died mysteriously in 1920 and has been spotted gliding across the stage, blowing kisses to the audience.

Ways to explore

Leased in 1993 by the Walt Disney Company and restored over the next couple of years, the New Amsterdam now presents big-name Disney productions, which have included Aladdin and The Lion King. Of course, the best way to experience the theater is to catch a show, and it’s best to book your seats in advance to avoid disappointment. For a behind-the-scenes look at New Amsterdam, as well as the surrounding Theater District, opt for a Broadway walking tour that brings the showbiz history of the district to life.

Accessibility

The theater is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair seating on two levels. Accessible restrooms are on all levels. Pre-recorded audio guides, assistive listening headsets, on-demand closed caption devices, and ASL interpretation are available.

Age limits

Check before booking tickets, as specific shows have their own guidelines for age suitability.

What to pack

Bring as few belongings as possible, as space is limited once you’re in your seat.

What to wear

You’ll be seated for a few hours, so wear comfortable clothing.

Not allowed

Photography during the show, outside food and drink

Amenities

Free Wi-fI, booster seats for younger kids, bar, cloakroom

Address

Located at 214 West 42nd Street, the New Amsterdam Theater is one of the southernmost on Broadway. It’s easy to reach by public transportation, and hop-on hop-off buses also service the area.

Driving

You’re much better off flagging down an iconic yellow NYC cab to arrive at this crowded and congested part of the city than driving yourself.

Public transportation

New Amsterdam is easily accessible via subway. Take the N, Q, R, or W train to 42nd Street–Times Square station, then walk westward along West 42nd Street toward Eighth Avenue.

Best times to visit

Shows at New Amsterdam Theatre typically take place in the afternoon and evening.

Best days to visit

Broadway theaters tend to put on the most performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays—visit then for a choice of times.

Best months to visit

The air conditioning makes it an ideal place to cool down during New York’s scorching summers from June through September.

Special events

At the end of June, the 3-day Curtain Up Festival celebrates all things Broadway with flash mobs, dancing, and performances.