Winter Garden Theatre lit up at night

Winter Garden

Opened in 1911

1634 Broadway
New York, NY

Theatre Website

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
When there is a 1pm matinee, Box Office opens at 11am.

Theater History

Winter Garden Theater History

The Winter Garden Theatre, a renowned Broadway venue, has seen a rich history of productions since its opening in 1911. From revues and musicals to iconic performances and legendary shows, this theater has witnessed it all. Let's delve into the theater's history, highlighting key productions along the way:

Early Years and Ziegfeld Era

  • The Passing Show, Shubert's response to Ziegfeld's Follies, was a regular feature.
  • Numerous Al Jolson musicals graced the stage.
  • After Ziegfeld's passing, his Follies editions were presented in 1934, 1936, 1943, and 1947, featuring luminaries like Fanny Brice, Bobby Clark, Bob Hope, Eve Arden, Gypsy Rose Lee, Josephine Baker, and Willie Howard.

Golden Era with Mary Martin and West Side Story (1950s)

  • Mary Martin took the lead in Peter Pan in 1954, leaving a lasting mark on the theater.
  • The iconic West Side Story premiered in 1957, featuring Chita Rivera, Carol Lawrence, and a creative team including Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, and Jerome Robbins.
  • Hits from the 1960s include The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1960), Funny Girl (1964), and Mame (1966) with Angela Lansbury, further cementing the Winter Garden's reputation.

1970s: A Decade of Diversity and Classics

  • The 1970s brought both popular and cutting-edge productions to the Winter Garden.
  • Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Follies (1971) harked back to the theater's roots as a home for follies-type revues.
  • Angela Lansbury returned to revive Gypsy (1974), while Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman presented Pacific Overtures (1976).
  • Gilda Radner made her Broadway debut with "Gilda Radner — Live from New York" (1979).
  • The iconic 42nd Street (1980) made its debut here before moving to the Majestic Theatre.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Takes Center Stage (1980s and Beyond)

  • In 1982, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats premiered at the Winter Garden and ran for an astounding 18 years, becoming the second longest-running show in Broadway history.
  • Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock (2015-19) continued the Andrew Lloyd Webber tradition of excellence at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Recent Times

  • Mamma Mia!, featuring the songs of ABBA, debuted in 2001 and remained until 2013 before transferring to the Broadhurst Theatre.
  • After Mamma Mia!, Rocky the Musical (2014), Wolf Hall (2015), and Beetlejuice (2019-20)
  • The Music Man (2022-23) featured Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster and set box office records.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

Parking

Reserve a spot using SpotHero: https://spothero.com

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the Orchestra level.

Coat Check

Coat check is available. No strollers or furs.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi Available

Where is the stage door?

To the right as you exit the 7th Avenue side.

NEAR THE THEATRE

Ellen's Stardust Diner, 1650 Broadway. For other restaurant recommendations, read our article on the Best Restaurants Near the Winter Garden Theater!

CURRENT/UPCOMING SHOW

Back to the Future at the Winter Garden Theatre

Back to the Future

Welcome to Hill Valley! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself...back to the future.

Experience this high-voltage comedy as the iconic story is adapted for the stage by the movie’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and is directed by the Tony Award-winning John Rando. Back to the Future the Musical features original music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror), alongside hit songs from the movie including The Power of Love, Johnny B. Goode, Earth Angel and Back in Time. When BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL hits 88mph, you’re gonna see some serious…entertainment.

Get Tickets

SEATING

Best Seats in the House

The best views will be in the center orchestra and front mezzanine, but there are very few bad seats in this theater.

Number of Seats

The estimated capacity is 1,526 seats

Preview Seat View

AViewFromMySeat.com

ACCESSIBILITY

Is there wheelchair accessible seating available?

Wheelchair accessible seating is located in the orchestra section. No steps to designated seating location.

Is there a wheelchair accessible restroom available?

Yes, a wheelchair accessible (unisex) restroom is located on Orchestra level.

Are there assistive devices available?

Infrared assistive listening devices available for every performance; audio description and closed captioning devices will be available beginning four weeks after the show's opening night. Before this date, live-caption via CART using a hand-held device can be requested with two weeks advance notice. Contact Shuebrt Audience Services at 212-944-3700 or audienceservices@shubertorg.com for more information.

RULES & REGULATIONS

What is the Winter Garden Theater bag policy? 

All bags are inspected by security prior to admission to the Winter Garden. While small bags and purses are typically permitted, we strongly recommend you contact the theater directly at (212) 239-6200 as policies may change on a day-to-day basis. There is no outside food or drink permitted. 

Does the Winter Garden Theater enforce a dress code? 

No, not formally, though the Winter Garden reserves the right to not admit ticket holders at their own discretion. If you have specific questions about dress code, we encourage you to contact the theater directly at (212) 239-6200. If you are seeking general advice about what to wear to a Broadway performance, make sure to check out our article on the topic.

When do the Winter Garden Theater Doors Open? 

Doors open 45 minutes prior to the scheduled show time on your ticket. The theater suggests arriving at least 15 minutes before the show to provide enough time to pass through security and to find your seats. 

Does the theater have an age restriction?

Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater. 

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