Barrymore Theatre

The Basics

Enjoy a classic Broadway experience at this historic theater and see the interior, which combines a number of styles, including Mediterranean and Elizabethan. The distinctive exterior of the Barrymore Theatre was modeled after a Roman bath and features a two-story grillwork screen made of terra-cotta, still in its original form. Walking tours of Times Square and the theater district often pass by the Barrymore and other popular performance venues.

Things to Know Before You Go

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

• Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, and other electronic devices cannot be used during performances.

• There are no escalators or elevators in the two-level theater.

• Assistive devices for the hard of hearing and visually impaired are available.

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

How to Get There

The Barrymore Theatre is located on West 47th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue. The closest subway stops are 49th Street (N, R, W), 50th Street (C, E), and 47–50 Streets Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M).

When to Get There

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

History of the Broadway Theatre

Lee and J.J. Shubert, New York theater magnates known as the “Schubert brothers,” offered to build a theater for Ethel Barrymore, one of the most popular actresses of her time, if she agreed to star in its first production. She agreed and choseThe Kingdom of God. Today, the Barrymore is still owned by the Schubert Organization, and the theater remains one of the few Broadway theaters to have never changed names or owners.

Ways to explore

The only way to see the Barrymore Theatre is to book a ticket to one of its Broadway plays or musicals. You can get a taste of its history by joining a walking tour of the Theater District, which may stop by the facade. Many small-group or private tours include a stop at the Barrymore Theatre to highlight backstage stories and architectural details of the venue and surrounding theaters. For a fully immersive night out, guests often pair their visit with a preshow drink at a nearby bar or the theater lounge.

Accessibility

The orchestra level is step‑free from the street and includes all wheelchair and companion seating (about five wheelchair spaces and up to three companion seats). The mezzanine requires climbing three flights of stairs and only has transfer seating; a unisex wheelchair-accessible restroom is available on the orchestra level.

Age limits

All guests must have a ticket, regardless of age. Children under 4 are not permitted inside the theater.

What to pack

Small bag with essentials only—coat check is available downstairs.

What to wear

Smart-casual attire is recommended. Bring layers for the air-conditioned auditorium.

Not allowed

Photography, audio/video recording, phone use during performances

Amenities

In-house bar and lounge, at-seat drink service, coat check, wheelchair-accessible restroom on the orchestra level

Address

The Barrymore Theatre is located on West 47th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan’s Theater District.

Driving

You can drive to the theater, but traffic is congested, and parking in Midtown is limited and expensive. Most visitors opt for rideshare or taxi drop-offs near the entrance.

Public transportation

Public transportation is the most cost-effective way to reach the Barrymore Theatre. Take the C or E train to 50 St, the 1 train to 50 St, or the N, R, W trains to 49 St—each stop is about a 3–4 minute walk from the theater. MTA routes M20, M50, M7, M104, M50 and M42 stop along Seventh and Eighth avenues within a 3–5 minute walk.

Best times to visit

Evening performances deliver full Broadway energy; matinees on Wednesdays.

Best days to visit

Most Broadway theaters, including this one, go dark on Monday. Visit from Tuesday to Thursday for smaller crowds and better seat availability.

Best months to visit

The theatre operates year‑round, but quieter periods often fall between January and April, right after the holiday rush, offering greater ticket availability and less crowding.