Hudson Theatre

The Basics

The intimate Hudson Theatre has a 970-person capacity and hosts some of New York’s most talked-about productions, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. Even if you are not catching a performance, you can take a guided tour of the theater to learn about the rich history of the early 20th-century building. Tours last around one hour and highlight architectural details, the original Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass, and the stage. Check the theater’s website for tour dates or to book a private tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Hudson Theatre is a must-visit for lovers of the theatrical arts.

• The theater has accessible seating for visitors with disabilities—request wheelchair seating when booking.

• There is no elevator access to the balcony.

• Outside food and drink and photography are prohibited.

• Full-service bars are located on the Orchestra Level and the Dress Circle Level.

• Coat check is available in the box office lobby.

How to Get There

Located just off Times Square in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Hudson Theatre is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. Subway riders can take the B, D, F, or M to 42nd Street–Bryant Park, the 7 to Times Square–42nd Street, or the N, R, or W to 49th Street. All stations are between a 5- and 10-minute walk away.

When to Get There

Performances typically take place Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with additional matinees on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The box office is open Monday to Saturday from midmorning until evening, but note that advance sales stop 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Historic Theaters

The Hudson Theatre is just one of many historic theaters clustered around Broadway. Others within a stone’s throw include the Belasco, Minskoff, and New Amsterdam. Join a Broadway walking tour to gain insight into the history of the theater district and peek into several theaters without having to buy multiple tickets.

Ways to explore

The Hudson Theatre offers guided tours of the premises, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes peek at the historic venue. Historic tours last an hour and 45 minutes and are led by a working Broadway actor or stage manager. Multimedia aids on a tablet computer give tour-goers an overview of the theater’s early history. Otherwise, the most obvious way for experiencing the Hudson Theatre is to attend a Broadway performance. Reserve your seats in advance or try for same-day rush seating. Ticket holders can pay for entry into the luxurious Ambassador Lounge for a VIP cocktail before the show.

Accessibility

There is an ADA-compliant entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating.

Age limits

Kids under 4 are generally not allowed to attend Broadway shows, unless it’s a special family-friendly performance.

What to pack

Nothing bulky if attending a show (leave suitcases in your hotel), as your bag must fit under your seat.

What to wear

There’s no dress code for performances, so jeans and sneakers are acceptable.

Not allowed

Smoking, taking pictures during performances, sneaking in outside food or drinks

Amenities

Cloakroom, two full-service bars

Address

Hudson Theatre is located in New York City’s Theater District. It’s on 44th Street in Times Square, a short walk from Rockefeller Center and is easy to reach by taxi, car, or public transportation.

Driving

If coming from up near Columbus Circle, exit the traffic circle onto Broadway and turn left onto West 60th Street, left onto Columbus Avenue, then a final left onto West 44th Street. From Union Square, take 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas to West 37th Street. Make a right onto 8th Avenue, then a right onto West 44th Street. Expect parking to be expensive and hard to find, and traffic to be snarled.

Public transportation

The closest subway station is Times Square 42nd St. You can take the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, and Q trains, then walk about 7 minutes to the Hudson Theatre. From Grand Central, take the shuttle (S) one stop to Times Square.

Best times to visit

Matinees are offered on Wednesdays and weekends. Come then for a more relaxed experience or if you have kids in your group.

Best days to visit

Guided tours take place Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings, and they offer an insider’s view on the Hudson Theatre’s history.

Best months to visit

Broadway season generally lasts from April to April, although new shows open in the summer and fall. The best weather windows for New York City are the shoulder seasons.

Special events

Midtown Manhattan hosts a yearly BroadwayCon, a weekend-long event dedicated to all things Broadway. You can catch exclusive performances and behind-the-scenes talks with theater stars, plus other perks.