Imperial Theatre: Broadway's Musical Powerhouse

The Imperial Theatre is one of New York's premier venues for live entertainment. Located at 249 W 45th Street, New York, NY 10036, this broadway theater has a capacity of 1,457 and has been a fixture of the city's cultural landscape since 1923.

History of Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre opened on December 25, 1923, designed by Herbert J. Krapp in 18th-century Adam neoclassical style. The three-story facade of white terracotta on West 45th Street houses one of Broadway's most celebrated musical theaters, with a wide rectangular auditorium that places the majority of its 1,457 seats close to the stage.

Built as the 50th theater owned by the Shubert Organization, the Imperial was designed specifically for musicals. The elaborate plasterwork and ornate detailing of the interior reflect the ambition of its original mission, and the theater has lived up to that mission for over a century.

The Imperial's production history reads like a greatest hits of the American musical. Annie Get Your Gun (1946), Call Me Madam (1950), and Fiddler on the Roof (1964, starring Zero Mostel) all premiered here. Fiddler ran for 3,242 performances, making it the longest-running musical of its era. Bob Fosse's Pippin (1972), Oliver! (1963), and Les Miserables all played the Imperial.

What's On at Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre continues to host major Broadway musicals.

• Water for Elephants Broadway Tickets (Musicals)

• Chess (Musicals)

Browse all musicals in New York on tickadoo.

Seating and Accessibility

The theater seats 1,457 across two levels: Orchestra and Mezzanine. The wide auditorium design means even side seats have reasonable sightlines. Center Orchestra rows E through M are prime. The front Mezzanine also delivers strong views.

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. Assistive listening devices are provided. Accessible restrooms are on the Orchestra level.