New York City Ballet (NYCB)

The Basics

The iconic New York City Ballet was founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. To see a performance, check the NYCB website to find out what’s on, then prebook your tickets. You can also attend an NYCB talk or event, or join a Lincoln Center tour to learn about the renowned performance space.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Arts enthusiasts appreciate the lobby of the Koch Theater, which features art pieces celebrating the artistry and mythology of ballet.

• Show up to your performance on time—there’s no late seating, and there are no refunds.

• The Koch Theater is wheelchair-accessible by ramp to the lobby, where patrons access an elevator to the orchestra level.

How to Get There

New York City Ballet performances take place at the Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The easiest way to get there is by public transit. Take the 1 or 2 subway line to the 66th Street - Lincoln Center station, or the A, B, C, or D train to the 59th Street - Columbus Circle stop. The theater is located at Columbus Avenue and 63rd Street, next to the Revson Fountain.

When to Get There

The Koch Theater stages performances most days of the week during ballet season (spring, winter, and fall), except, typically, Mondays. Limited runs of seasonal performances such as The Nutcracker sometimes happen over the holidays. Because the theater is dark for a few weeks each year, be sure to check the calendar before you visit.

Exploring Columbus Circle

Just a few blocks from Lincoln Center sits Columbus Circle—a bustling retail hub at the southwestern edge of Central Park. You’ll find numerous shops and luxury boutiques in Time Warner Center, and a seasonal holiday market during the winter months. When you’ve had your fill of shopping, stop by the Museum of Arts and Design, located at 2 Columbus Circle.

Ways to explore

The New York City Ballet offers a range of programs and performances across its annual fall, winter, and spring seasons, as well as dedicated performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker over the holidays. Whatever strikes your fancy, it’s best to prebook your tickets via the NYCB’s website as early as possible, as shows regularly sell out.

If you miss the chance to attend a dance performance, you can also attend an NYCB talk or event, or join a Lincoln Center tour to learn more about the renowned New York City performing arts organization.

Accessibility

The NYCB’s David H. Koch Theater has wheelchair-accessible seating, entrances, and bathrooms; hearing assistance and binoculars are available.

Age limits

NYCB performances are open to children ages 5 and up.

What to pack

Tickets, small handheld bag

What to wear

There is no strict dress code for most NYCB performances, though you may wish to dress up to make an occasion of it.

Not allowed

Using your phone during performances, recording any parts of the show, outside food and drink

Amenities

Concessions, restrooms, gift shops

Address

The New York City Ballet’s David H. Koch Theater is located at Lincoln Center in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The area is very well-served by public transportation, as well as taxis and rideshare services.

Driving

Driving is not generally recommended in Manhattan, where congestion and traffic restrictions can make getting around complicated. However, if you do plan to drive, you can prebook parking at Lincoln Center Plaza Garage.

Public transportation

To get to Lincoln Center by public transportation, take the 1 train to 66 St-Lincoln Center, or take 1, A, C, B, or D trains to 59 St-Columbus Circle.

Best times to visit

Evening performances at the NYCB are generally held at 7:30pm, and matinees at 2pm or 3pm. Be sure to research specific timings for the show you wish to attend.

Best days to visit

Performances at the NYCB are generally not held on Mondays. Weekends are best if you want the broadest range of showtimes to choose from.

Best months to visit

The NYCB hosts fall, winter, and spring seasons; avoid summer, when performances aren’t regularly held.

Special events

Don’t miss the NYCB’s holiday-season performances of Balanchine’s The Nutcracker—it’s an essential festive tradition in the Big Apple.