Lyceum Theatre in New York – History, Seating Chart & Tickets

One of the oldest theatres on Broadway, known for its grand white, temple-like exterior. Its beauty is especially striking in the daytime, making it a perfect spot to visit.

Address, opening, capacity
Seating chart
Directions to the theater
Map, location
Hotels near the thater
History
Architectural style
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Address, opening, capacity of Lyceum Theatre

Basic Information about the Lyceum Theatre in NYC

Address:	149 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036（ Map ） Located on 45 Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
Opened:	1903
Capacity:	925 seats

Seating Chart of Lyceum Theatre

The Lyceum Theatre has a seating capacity of 925 seats, divided into three main sections: Orchestra (1st level), Mezzanine (2nd level), and Balcony (3rd level).

*Click to view larger image

Directions to Lyceum Theatre

Access to Lyceum 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.

Lines, 49 Ststation (About a 5-minute walk)

Lines, Rockfeller Centerstation (About a 5-minute walk)

Map, location of Lyceum Theatre

Here is the map of the Lyceum Theatre.

Best hotels near the Lyceum Theatre

Discover the best hotels near the Lyceum 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 Lyceum Theatre

One of the oldest theatres in Manhattan

The Lyceum Theatre opened in 1903 and is one of the oldest surviving Broadway theatres, alongside the New Amsterdam Theatre and the Hudson Theatre.

While the New Amsterdam and Hudson theatres temporarily operated as movie houses or television studios during the economic hardships of the Great Depression, the Lyceum continued to function primarily as a legitimate theatre, with only a very brief period as a cinema.

As a result, the Lyceum is recognized as the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in New York City. In 1974, it became the first Broadway theatre designated as a New York City landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Another rarity among Broadway theatres is that the Lyceum has kept the same name since it opened. The original Lyceum on Fourth Avenue closed in April 1902, and the current Lyceum Theatre opened on November 2, 1903, taking its place.

Learn more about the history of Broadway theatre construction >>

Where Frohman lived above the theater

Above the Lyceum Theatre still remains the private apartment once used by producer Daniel Frohman. From this apartment, he could look directly into the theatre below and often watched performances from home.

In 1940, the theatre was purchased by a consortium led by producers George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. In 1950, the Shubert brothers (who later established The Shubert Organization) acquired the Lyceum. Since then, the Shubert Organization has owned the theatre, and today Frohman’s former apartment serves as the headquarters of the Shubert Archives.

Learn more about the Shubert Organization >>

Architectural style of the Lyceum Theatre

A temple-like exterior

The Lyceum Theatre built in Beaux-Arts style

Commissioned by producer Daniel Frohman with the architectural firm Herts & Tallant, the Lyceum Theatre was built in the Beaux-Arts style, which was highly fashionable at the time.

Beaux-Arts architecture was introduced to America by graduates of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the most famous examples include New York landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal, the original Pennsylvania Station, and the New York Public Library. On Broadway, the New Amsterdam Theatre and the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre are also notable Beaux-Arts examples. The Lyceum, with its white stone facade, gives the impression of a classical temple.

An interior reminiscent of a castle

Box office and lobby of the Lyceum Theatre

Inside, the theatre still retains its original Beaux-Arts marble details and staircases. Although the theatre has three levels, its capacity is 943 seats, making it one of the more intimate Broadway houses.