Al Hirschfeld Theatre New York
Al Hirschfeld Theatre Tickets
About the Al Hirschfeld Theatre
The Al Hirschfeld Theatre, originally the Martin Beck Theatre, first opened on West 45th Street in 1924, and was the creation of vaudeville theater owner Martin Beck. It was the only venue on Broadway that opened with no mortgage at the time. In 2003 the theater was renamed to commemorate celebrity caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, who died the previous year.
Beck wanted the theater to be eye-catching and brought in architect G. Albert Lansburgh to create an opulent, grand venue with Byzantine influences across the ceilings, columns and doorways. Following its renaming, the hallways and lobbies were updated to feature permanent exhibitions of Hirschfeld’s work. The façade and interior of the Al Hirschfeld are both designated New York City Landmarks; many other Broadway venues built in the early 20th century are also landmarks including the Neil Simon Theatre and Booth Theatre.
The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is known for its 200 dressing rooms; plenty of space for the numerous musicals and plays the venue has welcomed over the years including Saint Joan (1936), Dracula (1976), and Into the Woods (1987). Since the turn of the century, stars including Daniel Radcliffe (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, 2011) and Christina Applegate (Sweet Charity, 2005) have trodden the boards, alongside hit musicals Elf (2010-2011; 2012) and Kinky Boots (2013-2019).
Know Before You Go
• Coat check in the Orchestra lobby costs $3 per item
• Bars are on both levels and drinks can be taken back to your seat
• Restroom queues get long during the intermission
• Programs and merchandise are sold on both levels
Map and Address
302 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036