New York

New York Nav Links [NEW]

More shows

WL NYC Nav

Little Island Logo

Little Island

Little Island Favicon

littleisland

Little Island Home

The Park

Little Island Directions

Little Island About

Littleisland.org

Little Island (External Links)

Owned

Media 2

blank navigation bar for NYTG

blank navigation bar 

WL All Broadway Shows Link

Broadway

Off-Broadway

WL Broadway Plays Link

Experiences

WL Concerts Link NYC

Concerts

All Shows NYC - WL

All Events

Goldstar My Tickets

My Tickets

GS Nav Override

Box office

Initiative - NYC [42650]

Initiative - Product Media - Header Image

Initiative

Initiative - Product Media - Poster Image

Initiative - Product Media - Poster Image (Square)

Initiative - Product Media - App Hero Image

Off Broadway

The Public Theater is a historic New York City theater venue, known internationally as a crown jewel of the off-Broadway movement. Functioning since 1954, the venue has hosted ground-breaking performances and world class artists. The theater is located in a distinctive five-story Italianate marble building at 425 Lafayette Street in the East Village of Manhattan. The architectural charm and cultural relevance of the venue attract theater lovers from around the world. Each year, The Public presents a varied programme of plays, musicals, and unique theatrical experiences across its five auditoriums which are the Newman Theater, the LuEsther Hall, the Shiva Theater, the Martinson Theater, and the Library. Committed to developing theater that encourages dialogue and reflects the diversity of the American society, The Public has hosted major productions such as 'A Chorus Line' and 'Hamilton'. 

 **How to get to the venue:** The Public Theater is accessible by public transportation. It can be reached via subway by taking the N,R,W or 6 train to the Astor Place Station or the 2,3,4,5,J,M, or Z trains to the Fulton Street station. If traveling by bus, one can use the M2, M3, or M101 bus to the 4th Street and Lafayette Stop.

Public Theater - NY

Public Theater

Get tickets to the best shows at the best prices on Broadway and beyond

Discover New York City 

New York Header Image

Latest New York City Insider Posts 

New York 

New York Tile Image

NYC - Shows Members Love

Trending Shows

New York Broadway

NY - TT - Nav Bar Link - Halloween

Halloween

Deals & Special Offers

New York all events

All Shows

More

Venues in New York City

Joseph Papp founded The Public Theater in 1954 as the Shakespeare Workshop. The organization moved into its current home on Lafayette Street in Lower Manhattan in 1967.

The Public Theater building was under risk of demolition until the Public persuaded the city council to sell them the building for use as a theatre. As a result, the building was granted New York City landmark status in 1965, and architect Giorgio Cavaglieri converted it into a theatre in 1967.

The company’s inaugural production in its new home was the world premiere of *Hair*, which also marked its first non-Shakespeare offering. The building is comprised of five performance spaces: the Anspacher Theater (which has a 275-seat capacity), LuEsther Hall (160 seats), Martinson Theater (199 seats), Newman Theater (299 seats), and Shiva Theater (99 seats).

The Public complex also include office spaces; the restaurant and bar The Library; and Joe’s Pub, a cabaret-style venue used for smaller musical revues and soloists. The company also operates the [Delacorte Theater](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/delacorte-theater) in Central Park, which has been home to free Shakespeare in the Park productions during the summer since 1954.

## How to get to The Public Theater off Broadway

The Public Theater is closest to the Astor Place subway stop on the 6 line and the 8 St - NYU stop on the R and W lines. The closest bus stop is Lafayette St./Astor Pl. on the M1 line.

## Restaurants near The Public Theater

Popular restaurants near The Public Theater include Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Vic's (Italian), and Atla (Mexican). The Public also has an in-house bar and restaurant, The Library (American).

Public Theater - New York Theatre Guide

The Public Theater, founded by Joseph Papp in 1954, moved into its current Manhattan location in 1967. It consists of five performance areas, offices, a restaurant and bar, and a cabaret-style venue.

Public Theater - TodayTix

Public Theater, a historical NY venue, known for off-Broadway productions, hosts a mix of plays and musicals across five auditoriums. It's conveniently accessible via subway or bus.

Initiative Tickets

About Initiative

Categories

Venue

Initiative cast and creative team

Venue

Public Theater

Accessibility

Show schedule

Tickets