Vivian Beaumont Theater

The Basics

The best way to experience the Beaumont is at a show. Because performances are popular, you should book a ticket in advance to secure a seat and to avoid busy box office lines. With multiple shows offered each season, plan ahead to choose a show that fits your taste and budget. To see Lincoln Center on a tour, join a citywide sightseeing tour, many of which travel along Broadway and pass the world-renowned institution.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Theater lovers shouldn't miss a show at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, offering the only thrust stage on Broadway.

• Accessible seating is offered on the orchestra level, but not the mezzanine.

• Assistive listening devices are available at the concessions bar in the theater's lobby.

• Dress up not down—though you can wear jeans and sneakers, expect to feel out of place in shorts and flip-flops.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach the Vivian Beaumont Theater is by subway. Take the 1 to 66th Street - Lincoln Center. Alternatively, take the M104 bus, which runs along Broadway and makes stops near Lincoln Center. But, if you take the bus, expect to hit traffic during rush hour.

When to Get There

Shows at the Vivian Beaumont Theater are usually staged almost every day, year-round. Two performances are typically offered on Wednesday and Saturday, and on Sunday you can expect one matinee performance. If you plan to attend a weekend performance, or if you want to see a premier, expect a busy theater and hard-to-find tickets. Since the Tony Awards are in June, tickets in July tend to be more easily available.

Exploring Columbus Circle

Just a few blocks down Broadway is the intersection known as Columbus Circle. To visit some high-end boutiques and dine in style, check out Time Warner Center, a shopping hub at the southwest corner of Central Park packed with restaurants, bars, and clothing stores. Find everything from Michelin-starred eateries to designer shops. During the holiday season, be sure to stop by the Columbus Circle Holiday Market—the perfect place to pick up a handmade souvenir.

Ways to explore

The best way to experience the Vivian Beaumont Theater is by attending a show, which includes full-scale Broadway productions, as well as limited-run plays and musicals. Book your tickets as far in advance as possible, especially for previews, premiere weeks, and popular evenings like Friday and Saturday. The best seats, like the central orchestra and loge levels, often sell out.

Even if you don’t attend a show, spend time exploring Lincoln Center with its landmark buildings and famous Josie Robertson Plaza. Join a guided tour or visit as part of an art, architecture, or movie location tour of the Upper West Side.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible, stair-free, transfer-arm, low-vision, and companion seats are available in the orchestra only; book tickets directly at the box office. Induction Hearing Loops (headsets on request) and braille and large print programs are available; closed captioning via the GalaPro app and audio descriptions are available after the opening weeks.

Age limits

Children must be at least 5 years old; some shows may have parental advisory warnings or a recommended minimum age.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, camera, binoculars, photo ID, a light cover-up (venues are air-conditioned), a small bag to fit under the seat in front, reusable water bottle, lozenges

What to wear

Smart-casual clothes (there’s no dress code, but most people dress on the nicer side)

Not allowed

Large bags or suitcases, outside food and drink, photography and filming during performances; bikes, skateboards, and rollerblades on the Lincoln Center complex

Amenities

At the theater: bar, concession stand, restrooms; at the Lincoln Center: three restaurants, three cafés, a lobby bar, underground parking, coat checks, restrooms, gift shops, outside seating areas, water fountain, free Wi-Fi

Address

The Vivian Beaumont Theater is part of Lincoln Center and is situated near the entrance on West 65th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam. It’s easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.

Driving

While it’s often more hassle than it’s worth to drive in Manhattan, a paid parking garage is available at Lincoln Center, and you can reserve your spot in advance. From downtown Manhattan, head north on the West Side Highway to reach the Upper West Side and follow signs for the Lincoln Center. Use the self-park entrances at 139 West 62nd Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam) and 85 Amsterdam Avenue (between 63rd and 64th streets).

Public transportation

The easiest way to travel is by subway, and the closest station is 66 St-Lincoln Center (1), which is a 2-minute walk from the entrance to the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The M5, M7, M10, M66, and M104 buses also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Most matinee shows start at 2pm and evening shows at 8pm, but it’s best to arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior (latecomers may be denied entry). It’s worth arriving early to walk around the Lincoln Center and enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Best days to visit

Evening shows usually run from Tuesday through Saturday, with matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, although this may vary depending on the show. Midweek tickets can be cheaper and make a good option for last-minute bookings, but Friday and Saturday nights are the most atmospheric times to visit Lincoln Center.

Best months to visit

New Broadway shows tend to premiere in fall, so September and October are great times to visit, but book tickets well in advance. Another strategic time to visit is in April or May, pre-award show season—after the Tony Awards in June, award-winning shows often sell out, and ticket prices can spike.

Special events

Tickets for the prestigious Fall and Spring Galas at the Vivian Beaumont Theater are highly sought after. Look out for Lincoln Center events such as the summertime Out of Doors festival and Summer for the City series.