Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York – History, Seating Chart & Tickets

Located in the heart of theater district, 45th Street. This venue stands out with its distinctive Modern Spanish architectural style.

Address, opening, capacity
View from the seat
Directions to the theater
Map, location
Hotels near the thater
History
Architectural style
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Address, opening, capacity of Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Basic Information about the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in NYC

Address:	242 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036（ Map ） Located on 45 Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue
Opened:	1927
Capacity:	1,101 seats

Seating Chart of Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre has a seating capacity of 1,101 seats, divided into two main sections: Orchestra (1st level) and Mezzanine (2nd level).

*Click to view larger image

Seating Chart of Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in NYC

Directions to Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Access to Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre are most commonly by taking the New York City Subway (MTA).

The area around the theatre becomes very crowded close to showtime, so whether you are arriving by subway or taxi, please allow extra time to reach the venue.

Nearest Subway Station:

Lines, 42 St – Times Square / Port Authority Stationstation (About a 8-minute walk)

The 42st – Times Square / Port Authority station is a large station complex, so plan to arrive early to avoid rushing.

Map, location of Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Here is the map of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

Best hotels near the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Discover the best hotels near the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Stay within walking distance of Broadway and enjoy easy access to shows, restaurants, and attractions.

The list of recommended hotels near the theater:

History of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

A landmark of Broadway commercialism

The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, originally opened as the Royal Theatre in 1927, was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and commissioned by the Chanin brothers, two major figures in New York real estate.

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre located on 45th Street

The Chanin brothers sought an efficient use of their property spanning 44th and 45th Streets. Their idea was to build a complex of three theaters and one hotel: the large Majestic Theatre, the medium-sized Royal Theatre (now the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre), the smaller Masque Theatre (now the John Golden Theatre), and the Lincoln Hotel (now ROW NYC).

By constructing all four simultaneously, they reduced costs and maximized profitability. Productions were booked strategically, assigning shows to the theater size that best matched their expected box office draw and audience demand. This approach ensured high efficiency and strong commercial success.

From shifting ownership to the Shubert Organization

Box office of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, featuring its compact entrance

In 1930, the Chanin brothers transferred ownership of the three theaters to the Shubert family. During the Great Depression in 1932, Bernard B. Jacobs handed management rights to producer John Golden, who briefly renamed it the John Golden Theatre (not to be confused with today’s John Golden Theatre). The Shuberts regained control in 1936 and restored its original name, the Royal Theatre.

The venue remained the Royal for decades until 2005, when it was officially renamed the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in honor of Jacobs, who served as president of the Shubert Organization from 1972 to 1996.

Learn more about the Shubert Organization >>

Architecture of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Designed in a modern Spanish style

Facade of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre designed in modern Spanish style, with musical instruments carved into the upper details

Of the 40 Broadway theaters still standing today, 15 were designed by the renowned architect Herbert Krapp. Among them, three theaters share a unified theme of modern Spanish-style design. The facades are built with golden beige brick and feature detailed carvings, including traditional Spanish instruments such as mandolins and horns, highlighted in contrasting colors. From the start, Krapp designed this theater with the clear intention of making it a dedicated home for musicals on Broadway.

Close-up of the detailed carvings with musical instruments

Painting by Willy Pogany inside the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Inside the theater, murals known as “Lovers of Spain,” painted by Willy Pogany, decorate the walls on either side of the stage. When attending a performance at the Jacobs Theatre, take a moment to look at these remarkable works of art.

View of the mural on the right side of the stage