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Gershwin Theatre
Home to some of Broadway’s biggest and boldest musicals, the Gershwin Theatre is a landmark in every sense. With its sweeping interior, roomy seating, and grand scale, it was built to match the drama and spectacle of the shows it hosts. Opened in 1972 and originally named the Uris Theatre, it was designed by set designer Ralph Alswang, and renamed in 1983 to honor legendary composer George Gershwin, it's best known as the longtime home of Wicked, where audiences come to get swept up in the story of Elphaba and Glinda, told with powerful vocals, flying monkeys, and a little green magic.
Where to Explore in and Around the Gershwin Theatre
The Broadway Theater Hall of Fame
Inside the Gershwin Theatre’s lobby, you’ll find the Broadway Theater Hall of Fame. This display honors the legends of the stage with portraits and memorabilia that capture Broadway’s long history. It’s easy to miss if you rush to your seat, but worth a few minutes to explore before the curtain rises.
The Giant Wicked Clock
One of the most famous features of the Gershwin Theatre is the enormous clock that hovers above the stage. Part of the set design for Wicked, the clock gears and glowing numbers create an eerie and enchanting atmosphere before the show even begins. Take a moment to soak it all in while you wait for the performance; the atmosphere alone is something special.
Nearby Theaters
The Gershwin Theatre sits in a particularly theater-rich section of Midtown. Just steps away are the August Wilson Theatre, where big-name productions often take the stage, and the Walter Kerr Theatre, known for its acoustics and moving performances. Even if you’re only in town for one show, the energy in this part of the Theater District is worth soaking up.
Things to Do Near Gershwin Theatre
See Wicked
Of course, if you're at the Gershwin Theatre, seeing Wicked is the main event. The show has been a Broadway staple for years, telling the story behind The Wizard of Oz from an unexpected perspective. The soaring music, clever storytelling, and amazing costumes make it a must-see. It’s a full-on Broadway spectacle that still feels surprisingly personal.
Take a Broadway Backstage Tour
If Wicked leaves you wanting more, a Broadway backstage tour is a great way to go deeper. Some tours include stops at historic theaters, dressing rooms, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Broadway’s past and present to life. It’s a fun way to see just how much goes into making the magic happen every night.
Visit Times Square
Only a short walk away, Times Square is an all-out experience, with bright lights, big crowds, and nonstop energy. Everything about Times Square makes it a place you’ll want to experience at least once. It can be chaotic, but there’s something about it that sticks with you. Even a quick walk through feels like stepping into a movie scene.
Explore Radio City Music Hall
Just a few blocks from the Gershwin Theatre, Radio City Music Hall is one of those places that feels like classic New York the second you see it. The design of Radio City Music Hall is beautiful, and the glowing marquee always draws a crowd. If the Rockettes are in town, it’s worth grabbing a ticket, but even if you’re not seeing a show, the building itself is a fun stop. You can also take a tour if you're curious about what goes on behind the curtain.
Places to Eat Near the Gershwin Theater
Casual Bites
Need something quick before curtain time? Shake Shack on 8th Avenue is always reliable. The lines move quickly, and there’s something for everyone.
Sit-Down Spots
For a sit-down meal, try Becco on Restaurant Row, a favorite for pasta lovers. Or visit Glass House Tavern, a spot popular with the theater crowd, including actors unwinding after a show.
Drinks After the Show
If you’re in the mood for a nightcap, head to Bar Centrale, just off 46th Street. It’s a favorite among Broadway insiders and has the kind of dim lighting and quiet buzz that feels very New York.
Staying Nearby
Staying at The Belvedere Hotel near Gershwin Theatre means Broadway is your backyard. After the final bow, you’re just steps from your room. No subway ride, no taxi, just a short walk through the glow of the Theater District. With so much to explore right outside your door, it’s easy to turn a show night into a full Midtown experience.
If you’re a theater lover, a first-time visitor, or someone just curious about what makes Broadway tick, the Gershwin Theatre delivers. And staying nearby makes it all that much better.
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