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English
Like many of its contemporaries, this eminent Broadway venue has taken many names, and owners, over the years. Its journey began as the Mansfield, in honor of the popular actor Richard Mansfield, in 1926. Broadway newcomer Irwin Chanin had high hopes for the theater, constructed on the residential 47th Street while the rest of the Theatre District was still shaping up. The early years were tough, with the first hit production, Hello, Daddy, arriving more than two years after the opening night. As it made its way through short runs, two stood out - Anna Lucasta and The Green Pastures became the only two phenomenally hit productions at the theater, especially noted for their all-black casts. A few years later, the theater became the only Broadway venue to be named after a critic (Brooks Atkinson) and finally, the first venue to be named after a female African American artist, Lena Horne, in 2022.
1031 Seats
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible Toilets
Hearing Assistance
Washrooms
Air Conditioning
Bar
Security Check
Water Fountain
About Lena Horne Theatre
- The theater comfortably seats 1,031 patrons, divided into three sections - 565 in the orchestra, 176 in the front Mezzanine, and 290 in the rear mezzanine.
- Rows B-D of the center orchestra and the first few rows of the center front mezzanine offer the best views, ideal for enjoying musicals and plays.
- Seats in the central section of the front mezzanine are a popular choice for the elevated view of the stage that allows every detail of large productions to come through.
- If you enjoy being close to the stage, pick side seats in the middle orchestra. These seats are halfway along a row and come at really low prices, despite the proximity to the performers.
- Double-digit seats towards the outer edge of all sections are generally tighter but provide decent sightlines at a reasonable cost.
Know before you go
- Address: 256 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Bus: Take the M20 or M104 buses along 8th Avenue to drop off a few steps away from the theater. You can also take the M50 bus along 7th Avenue to W 50 St/7 Av and take a short 6-minute walk.
- Subway: Take the A, C, or E lines to 50th Street station, or the N, Q, R, or W lines to 49th Street, to reach Broadway. Both stations are a 4-minute walk to 47th Street, where the theatre is located.
- Train: The Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) connect to Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station respectively. From here, you can take the subway or S shuttle to Times Square and then walk towards the theater.
- Recommended route: The bus will drop you off closest to the theater at a convenient cost. If you're in the vicinity, especially near landmarks like Times Square or Rockefeller Center, you can also take a stroll to the Theater District.
Frequently asked questions about Lena Horne Theatre, New York
How old is the Lena Horne Theatre?
The Lena Horne Theatre, originally the Mansfield Theatre, opened in 1926.
What is the address of the Lena Horne Theatre?
The venue is in New York's famous Theatre District, at 256 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036.
Which is the closest parking?
Icon Parking at 235 West 48th Street is the closest parking facility for visitors arriving in personal vehicles.
What is the seating capacity of the theater?
The theater comfortably seats approximately 1,031 patrons.
Does the theater have a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, although many theatergoers prefer smart casual or semi-formal attire.
Are photos allowed?
No, recording the performers or the production is not permitted unless specified otherwise. Please use the time before or after a show to capture images or videos.
Is there any age limit?
Children under 4 are not admitted inside the theater. Please check the specific show’s policy before making your purchase.
Who was Lena Horne?
Lena Horne was an acclaimed singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist. She is particularly celebrated for her contribution to Jazz music and her charismatic presence.
Did Lena Horne perform on Broadway?
Yes, Lena Horne performed on Broadway in several shows and musicals, including her one-woman revue Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.
How early should i arrive for my show?
To ensure you have a smooth experience, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
Past Shows
Musicals