The Vivian Beaumont Theater opened to the public on October 21, 1965. Designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen and named for Vivian Beaumont Allen, a prominent New York philanthropist, the Beaumont was originally the home of the now-defunct Repertory Theater of Lincoln Center, which closed in 1973 after nine seasons (two of which were presented in a temporary theater erected in Washington Square Park). From 1973 to 1977, Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival was in residence at the Beaumont. From 1978 through 1985, the Beaumont was mostly rented to outside producers or was not used at all; a new resident company was formed in 1979, but it only presented one Beaumont season in 1980-81. In 1985, the building's current management -- Lincoln Center Theater -- was established. Former New York Mayor John V. Lindsay assembled a new board of directors and signed Gregory Mosher as Director and Bernard Gersten as Executive Producer. In 1991, Linda LeRoy Janklow and Andre Bishop succeeded Messrs. Lindsay and Mosher as Chairman and Artistic Director. Lincoln Center Theater has not only outlasted all the prior managements combined, but it has become America's largest not-for-profit theater, producing a year-round program of plays and musicals at the Beaumont and at various other theaters around New York City.
On the roof of the Beaumont is the Claire Tow Theater, which opened in 2012! The theater is home to LCT3, and dedicated to producing the work of new artists. The theater seats 112, and stages three to four productions a year. The most recent shows to play the Claire Tow theater in 2020 and 2019 include the Headlands by Christopher Chen, Power Strip by Sylvia Khoury, In the Green by Grace McLean and Marys Seacole by Jackie Sibblies Drury. The lower level of the building houses the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. This theater seats 299 and houses Off-Broadway plays and musicals. The last shows to play the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater in 2020 and 2019 include Greater Clements by Samuel D. Hunter, The Rolling Stone by Chris Urch, Nantucket Sleigh Ride by John Guare, and The Hard Problem by Tom Stoppard.
Name: New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Category: Attraction Address: 40 Lincoln Center Plaza Description: The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is a must-visit destination for any tourist interested in the performing arts. It is a part of the New York Public Library and is located in Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan. The library houses an extensive collection of materials related to the performing arts, including music, dance, theater, and film.
One of the highlights of the library is the extensive archive of dance materials, which includes rare footage, photographs, and documents related to dance history. The library also has an impressive collection of music scores, recordings, and manuscripts, with works ranging from classical to contemporary.
Visitors can take advantage of the library's many resources, including access to music listening stations, viewing rooms, and special collections. Additionally, the library hosts frequent exhibitions and events, showcasing its vast collection of materials and celebrating the performing arts.
In addition to its cultural and educational offerings, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is an architectural marvel, with a stunning glass atrium and a beautifully restored reading room. A visit to this iconic institution is a must for any tourist interested in the arts and history of New York City.
Name: The Juilliard School Category: Attraction Address: 60 Lincoln Center Plaza Description: The Juilliard School, located in New York City, is one of the world's leading institutions for performing arts education. A tourist interested in the arts and culture would want to visit Juilliard for several reasons. Firstly, it is an opportunity to witness world-class performances by some of the most talented musicians, actors, and dancers in the world. The school hosts more than 700 performances annually, including operas, orchestral concerts, drama productions, and dance performances, which are open to the public.
Additionally, visitors can take guided tours of the school's facilities, including its state-of-the-art theaters, rehearsal rooms, and recording studios. The tour provides a glimpse into the daily life of students at Juilliard, the rigor of their training, and the dedication required to succeed in the arts. Visitors can also visit the Juilliard bookstore and purchase books, recordings, and other souvenirs related to the school and its programs.
Name: Lincoln Center Category: Attraction Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza Description: Lincoln Center is one of the world's foremost cultural institutions, situated in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It is home to numerous world-renowned performing arts organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the Juilliard School.
A tourist visiting Lincoln Center would have the opportunity to witness some of the most exceptional performances and cultural events in the world, ranging from classical music concerts and opera performances to dance shows and theater productions. In addition, Lincoln Center itself is a magnificent complex of buildings and outdoor spaces, with stunning architecture and design that is worth exploring.
Lincoln Center also offers a range of programs and events that cater to tourists, including guided tours of the campus, special exhibitions, and workshops for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a fan of the arts or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, a visit to Lincoln Center is an absolute must when in New York City.
Name: Metropolitan Opera Category: Attraction Address: Lincoln Center Description: The Metropolitan Opera is a world-renowned opera house located in New York City, and is a must-visit destination for tourists interested in the arts. The opera house offers a range of performances from classic operas to contemporary productions, featuring some of the most talented performers from around the world.
Attending a performance at the Metropolitan Opera is an opportunity to witness the beauty and drama of operatic art at its highest level. The stunning stage sets, elaborate costumes, and world-class musical performances combine to create an unforgettable experience that appeals to both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.
In addition to the performances, the Metropolitan Opera offers a range of behind-the-scenes tours and talks that allow visitors to explore the history and inner workings of the opera house. The tour includes a visit to the costume department, the wig and makeup room, and the orchestra pit, giving visitors a glimpse into the incredible attention to detail and skill required to produce an opera.
Name: David Geffen Hall Category: Attraction Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza Description: David Geffen Hall, formerly known as Avery Fisher Hall, is a concert hall located at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. It is one of the most famous and prestigious concert halls in the world, known for its exceptional acoustics and world-class performances.
A tourist visiting David Geffen Hall can experience the very best in classical music, with performances by the world's greatest orchestras, conductors, and soloists. The hall is home to the New York Philharmonic, one of the oldest and most esteemed orchestras in the United States.
In addition to classical music, David Geffen Hall also hosts a variety of other events, including pop and jazz concerts, lectures, and film screenings. The hall is also home to many educational programs and workshops, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about music and the performing arts.
Name: Cafe Fiorello Address: 1900 Broadway Description: Cafe Fiorello, across the street from Lincoln Center, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. Fiorello's is a great spot for pre-theater dining. Open late each night, the restaurant is also perfect for a post-theater dinner, a light bite at the antipasto bar, or cocktails and dessert.
Name: Cafe Luxembourg Address: 200 West 70th Street Description: Cafe Luxembourg is located a few blocks from Lincoln Center Theatre. The restaurant offers French comfort food and a Parisian atmospher.
Name: Patsy's Italian Restaurant Address: 236 West 56th Street Description: Just North of the Theatre District, Patsy's Italian Restaurant is family-owned and operated. Its cozy setting is a great pairing to its flavorful, Italian cuisine. Its fun twist on Italian specialities, such as the "Meatball-tini," gives it its unique charm.
Name: Trattoria dell' Arte Address: 900 7th Avenue Description: Just across from Carnegie Hall, Trattoria dell'Arte is a perfect option for those with a hungry appetite. Trattoria dell'Arte features the largest antipasto bar in New York. Its wide selection of seafood, pizza, and pasta make it a perfect spot to enjoy Italian cuisine.
Name: The Redeye Grill Address: 890 Seventh Ave Description: Across the street from Carnegie Hall is The Redeye Grill, a classic Americana restaurant. With its open concept and coffered ceilings, The Redeye Grill offers a great space to catch up with company. The Redeye Grill serves everything from sushi to locally sourced fish and burgers.
Lincoln Center Theater's Broadway revival of Ragtime just welcomed a very special guest to the Vivian Beaumont Theatre! Earlier this week, the one and only Oprah saw the Tony-winning revival and visited the cast backstage. Check out photos here.
2026 is halfway over, which means that the 2026/27 Broadway season has just begun! Now that the 79th Annual Tony Awards have concluded, all eyes are already on the lineup for the new Broadway season and many Broadway productions have already revealed full details of their upcoming engagements.
Watch in this video as 2026 Tony Award nominee Ben Levi Ross chats more about the honor of getting a nomination, his insanely talented Ragtime cast, and so much more.
Watch in this video as 2026 Tony Award nominee Nichelle Lewis chats more about her Ragtime castmates, the excitement of earning her first nomination, and so much more.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 5, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Linda Cho is back this Broadway season in a big way. The Tony Award-winning costume designer created the iconic looks of three productions: Art, Schimgadoon!, and Ragtime, where she just welcomed BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge for a behind the scenes tour. Watch in this video as she gives a backstage tour at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre!
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Allison Blackwell who is appearing in Ragtime on Broadway who took us backstage at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Earlier this week, Cynthia Meng, Assistant Conductor/Keyboard for Ragtime, became the first woman to conduct the show on Broadway in its three productions.
The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
Actors’ Equity Association is celebrating Swing Day, honoring the hard-working performers who go on stage, sometimes at a moment's notice, to cover multiple chorus roles.
One of the best parts of seeing a show in New York City is how there is often a relevant historic spot to visit, just steps away from the show you’re seeing. Here's just a few examples...
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 5, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
To celebrate the hit revival of Broadway's Ragtime, Good Morning America visited the Vivian Beaumont Theatre for an exclusive performance of the musical's opening number. Watch as the company, including Joshua Henry, Nichelle Lewis, Brandon Uranowitz, and Caissie Levy, takes the stage for the rousing number.
Earlier this morning, the cast of Ragtime, currently running on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, hit the stage on 34th Street to perform at the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Led by Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis, the cast performed 'Wheels of a Dream' and the musical's title number. Watch the full performance here.
Joshua Henry performed the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden for at the New York Knicks Game! Watch the video of his performance, as well as his rehearsal.
On Thursday morning, Ragtime stars Caissie Levy, Joshua Henry, and Brandon Uranowitz joined Good Morning America to discuss the new revival of the beloved Broadway musical. Watch their conversation now.
A magical moment just happened at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Illusionist Rob Lake, who starts previews of his Broadway show Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets next wek, recently saw Ragtime and went backstage to meet Rodd Cyrus who portrays the most notable illusionist of all time, Harry Houdini. Check out photos here.
There's new music playing on 65th Street. The second Broadway revival of Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Watch in this video as we go inside opening night with the whole company.
Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Check out photos from the opening night curtain call here and learn more about the production.
Jeremy Jordan will return to The Great Gatsby on Broadway as Jay Gatsby. Learn more about Jordan's Broadway return and about the Broadway production here!
What accessibility options are there at Vivian Beaumont Theatre?
Wheelchair access to the Lincoln Center Theater box office, serving the Vivian Beaumont, is available from the street-level entrance on 65th Street. Enter through the glass doors in front of the large curved mural, and use the wheelchair lift on the left. The doorbell next to the lift will call a security guard to assist if necessary. The Beaumont lobby and Orchestra level are accessible by a ramp located to the right of the box office.
Wheelchair access to the Beaumont and Newhouse Theaters is available from the street-level entrance via a manned elevator located to the right of the large mural.
Vivian Beaumont Orchestra:
Orchestra level is accessible via the elevator described above. The entrance is behind Row O, which is the only row accessible to people using wheelchairs. There are approximately one to two steps down per row to all other rows, except Row P, which is one step up.
Vivian Beaumont Mezzanine:
The Mezzanine is called Loge at this theatre. Due to structural limitations, this location is not accessible. It is located up two flights of stairs, 30 steps. The entrance is behind Row E and there are approximately one to two steps down per row to reach all other Loge seats.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on the lobby level.
Closed Captioning
Handheld closed captioning devices are available in the Vivian Beaumont Theater three weeks after a show’s opening performance. Pick up from the concessions bar in the lobby. No reservations are necessary.
Assistive Listening System
The Beaumont is now equipped with Induction Hearing Loops for state-of-the-art assistive listening. If your hearing aid has a T-coil, please toggle to that setting to receive the audio signal directly without any headphones or other equipment needed. If your hearing aid does not have a T-coil, headphones are also available. If using headphones, please be sure to turn down the volume on your hearing aids to avoid feedback. Headphones are available from the concessions bars in the lobbies. A driver’s license or an ID with a printed address is required.
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What were the longest running shows at Vivian Beaumont Theatre?
Contact which ran from 03/30/2000 to 09/01/2002, South Pacific which ran from 04/03/2008 to 08/22/2010, Anything Goes which ran from 10/19/1987 to 09/03/1989, and War Horse which ran from 04/14/2011 to 01/06/2013
Category: Attraction
Category: Attraction
Category: Attraction
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Category: Attraction
Name: Cafe Fiorello
Name: Cafe Luxembourg
Name: Patsy's Italian Restaurant
Name: Trattoria dell' Arte
Name: The Redeye Grill
