The Imperial Theater was constructed for the Shuberts and designed by Herbert J. Krapp. It was officially opened with the musical Mary Jane McKane on Christmas of 1923. It was the fiftieth venue of the Shuberts in New York, and was built to replace their 20-year-old and outdated Lyric Theatre. Additionally, in 1951, the location also held Ms. Globe Pageant for the first-ever.
Like many other Shubert theatres, the Imperial was designed by Herbert Krapp in his trademark Adam-style. The recessed ceiling and ornamental panels that grace the walls are elaborately decorated with a number of motifs, including florals and geometrics. The rectangular auditorium is wider than it is deep, which allows most audience members to feel close to the stage and performers.
If you’re looking to catch the show, our Imperial Theatre seating chart has all the information you could possibly need.
Venue Details
Address: 249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Opened: 1923
Seating Capacity: 1420
Seating Chart
Check out the Imperial Theatre Seating Chart here.
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Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Orchestra: The Imperial Theatre is accessible step-free at 249 West 45th Street. Patrons can easily get to accessible seats in the Orchestra from the street through a series of double doors. These doors are either automatic or attended by ushers.
Mezzanine: Five wheelchair spaces and around 16 transfer seats are available at every performance. Wheelchair designated spaces with up to three companion seats each are located in the Orchestra, along with nine transfer seats in the middle rows. A further three transfer seats are available in the Mezzanine and four in the Balcony, up two flights of stairs.
Available Facilities
Restroom: Accessible restrooms available.
Accessible Seating: Fifteen row-end seats with folding armrests.
Water Fountain:Water fountain located in the lobby.
Assistive Listening System: Assistive listening devices are available at the theater upon arrival.
Handy Tips
- The bathroom is located on the mezzanine level. Do not wait around if you need to use the facilities during the intermission.
- The food stall sells products at an inflated rate. Get your eating and drinking done before you enter the theater.
- The view from the mezzanine level of the theater is quite good. If you are on a budget, you do not have to spring for orchestra seats.
- Wear warm clothes as the theater tends to get chilly at times.
Getting To Imperial Theatre
The Imperial Theatre is located at 249 West 45th Street, on a strip populated by Broadway theaters. With Times Square just around the corner and Central Park less than half an hour away on the subway, there’s more than enough to pack in before enjoying a night out at the theater.
Subway stations close to the Imperial Theatre include 42nd Street – Port Authority Bus Terminal on the A, C and E lines. After exiting the station, walk north-west on West 44th Street and take two right turns, onto 8th Avenue then West 45th Street. It is about two minutes’ walk from the station to the theater.
Various buses stop within walking distance of the Imperial Theatre, including the M20 and M104 at West 46th Street and 8th Avenue. Once off the bus, it is just one minutes’ walk to the theater.
Restaurants Near Imperial Theatre
You can make your Broadway experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near Imperial Theatre. If you’re looking for an in-depth guide for food options in the Theatre District, we have got you covered. Looking for a quick bite before or after your Broadway show? Here our some of our favorite restaurants around the Imperial Theatre:
- Planet Hollywood: Get your fix of Hollywood memorabilia and good ol’ American fare in 1540, Broadway.
- Junior's Restaurant & Bakery: Cheesecakes are the star at this Brooklyn-themed locale with deli fare, BBQ, a full bar & patio.
- The View Restaurant and Lounge: Revolving American bar & grill on the 48th floor of the Marriott Marquis with Times Square views.
- Times Square Diner & Grill: American diner fare & a full bar offered in a stylish, modern atmosphere with loft-height ceilings.
- Il Forno:Pizza & Italian entrees are offered at this whimsical place designed to look like a country village.
FAQs: Imperial Theatre
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Opened in 1923, the Imperial Theatre was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and was constructed for the Shubert brothers. It has 1,457 seats across two levels and is operated by The Shubert Organization.
249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
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