Al Hirschfeld Theatre

The Basics

The theater has a seating capacity of 1,242 seats across two levels. Designed in a Byzantine and Moorish architectural style, it features long, sloping orchestra and mezzanine areas, a colorfully painted dome, stained glass windows, and a large proscenium arch. Part of the Jujamcyn Theater Group, it regularly hosts performances.

Some walking tours of Time Square, Broadway, or the Theater District pass by the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. To see the interior and for the full experience, book tickets to a performance at the theater.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Children under the age of 4 are not allowed inside the theater.

• All bags are subject to security checks.

• There are no elevators or escalators in the theater.

• Standing room tickets are available when a performance is sold out.

• The theater is not fully wheelchair accessible, but there are designated wheelchair areas.

How to Get There

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is located on West 45th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues. By subway, take the A, C, or E to 42nd Street – Port Authority Bus Terminal or the 7 to 42nd Street. Or take a bus running along Eighth or Ninth avenues or one headed to Port Authority Bus Terminal.

When to Get There

The theater’s box office hours depend on the show, but it is typically open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays. It’s best to arrive early as there may be lines for the box office, cloakroom, or theater concessions. Latecomers are seated at the theater’s discretion.

Al Hirschfeld

The theater was renamed the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in 2003 after the caricaturist famous for his black and white drawings of Broadway legends. It's the only theater to be named after a visual artist. After the renaming, a permanent gallery was installed in the mezzanine of the theater, showcasing 22 of artist’s drawings, each representing a show performed at the theater.

Ways to explore

Most visitors spend two to three hours at the Al Hirschfield Theatre while watching a production at this historic Broadway venue. While booking tickets ahead of time is recommended, standing-room tickets are also sometimes available day-of. Seats are on two levels: the long, sloping orchestra and the mezzanine areas, which offer great views of the Byzantine and Moorish architectural flourishes.

Some neighborhood walking tours of Times Square, Broadway, or the Theater District pass by the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, but the best way to see it is by seeing a show. Be aware that latecomers are seated at the theater’s discretion.

Accessibility

There are no elevators or escalators, but designated wheelchair areas are in the orchestra section.

Age limits

Children under 4 are not allowed.

What to pack

Small bags only, credit card

What to wear

Flat shoes for climbing stairs, theater-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Recording devices, outside food and drinks, weapons, pets

Amenities

Concession stands, restrooms, water fountains

Address

The Al Hirschfield Theatre is in Midtown Manhattan’s Theater District. Public transportation is strongly recommended as this is one of New York’s most gridlocked neighborhoods.

Driving

Expect expensive parking and gridlock traffic if you attempt to drive to midtown Manhattan. Edison ParkFast, located at 332 West 44th Street, is nearby.

Public transportation

To reach the theater by subway, take the A, C, or E trains to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal or the 1, 2, 3; 7; R, W, N, Q trains to Times Sq-42nd Street and continue on foot.

Best times to visit

Try to arrive early for a show, as there may be lines for the box office, restroom, cloakroom, or theater concessions. It’s possible that you may not be seated if you arrive late.

Best days to visit

Friday and Saturday evening performances have a buzzing atmosphere. Families may prefer weekend matinees.

Best months to visit

The theater district is particularly busy and festive between Thanksgiving and the New Year. For better deals on theater tickets, try July and August.