David H. Koch Theater

Seating Capacity: 2,544

Address: 20 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023 US

Open Date: April 23, 1964

The David H. Koch Theater is famous for many things, one of which is its incredible architecture, which can be attributed to the work of Philip Johnson, the architect of the building. With a staggering 13 floor structure and a modern travertine-clad design, the theater is as much a design marvel as it is a renowned venue. The David H. Koch Theater was built as a proscenium theater and at the time of its construction, it contained a number of remarkable details that are both surprising and compelling. Although things have changed since its opening, you cannot talk about the David H. Koch Theater without referencing the beaded curtain that contained a metal ball representing each resident of New York City at the time or the globe chandelier weighing an incredible two tons of mass, or the promenade ceiling that contained an 18k gold leaf.

The theater is a performing arts venue that was initially known as the New York State Theater when it publicly opened on April 23, 1964. The name stuck until 2008, when it was renamed after the philanthropist and Businessman David H. Koch.

The name change was in reverence and appreciation for his sizable pledged donations to the theater that were directed toward the venue’s renovations. The first-ever performance was a closed showing of a dress rehearsal that was open only to the construction workers and their families on the 18th of April, 1964, while the opening night gala, which was held on April 23 of the same year, featured a number of memorable performances one of which was by the New York City Ballet Orchestra as conducted by Robert Irving.

The theater has been pivotal in sustaining the artistic and cultural framework of New York City. Since its opening, it has become a hub of cultural activity, building a reputation for its world-class performances and invaluable contributions to the arts. The David H. Koch Theater has become an unquestionable landmark in the city, along with the Lincoln Center and the theater’s counterpart venues.

Events at David H. Koch Theater

The David H. Koch Theater hosts performances by orchestras, art groups, and dance companies, along with a variety of other events like the Lincoln Center Festival, music concerts, and special galas. There is also the occasional educational program or workshop for aspiring artists. Although the venue hosts a number of dance companies, one of which is the American Ballet Theater, it is home to the New York City Ballet, a prestigious and well known company in the city of New York and all over the country.

The New York City Ballet is the theater’s resident dance company which means that there is a consistent organization of classic and contemporary ballet performances by the company. The New York City Ballet’s performances are marked by the work of famous choreographers like George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, Troy Schumacher, Justin Peck, and other world class choreographers.

Both the theater and the dance company have risen to a level of prominence in the performing arts from years of pulling off sophistication and excellence at the highest levels, and this year is no different. The New York City Ballet has a lineup of performances and contemporary ballet shows coming up for Spring, 2024.

From April 23 to June 2, the company is set to showcase the work of New York City Ballet Resident Choreographer, Justin Peck and Amy Hall Garner, among others. Spring is set for a myriad of performances like Jerome Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering, George Balanchine’s Rubies, which will be performed at the Spring Gala, as well as his adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to round up the company’s Spring anniversary celebrations.

How to Get Cheap Tickets

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David H. Koch Seating

The venue is an aesthetic marvel with numerous commissioned pieces of art in the lobby, jewel-like lights on the balconies, and a grand chandelier hanging from a gold ceiling, but its design is just as practical as it is beautiful.

The theater has a layout that is designed for the best acoustics and the best views. The seating layout consists of the orchestra level, and the theater’s 5 rings, which are its balconies. The orchestra level is the section closest to the stage containing a close view and premium seating. The first ring is right above it with an elevated view. The other rings are above the first ring and offer much higher vantage points that, although they are farther, still provide a clear view at a much more affordable cost.

Transportation and Parking

The most convenient way to get to the David H. Koch Theater is by public transportation. You could hop on the 1 Train and take the subway to the 66th Street Lincoln Center Station, and walk to the venue from the station.

Alternatively, you can follow one of the different bus routes that all stop within walking distance of the theater. Some of the different bus routes around the Lincoln Center area are the M5, M7, M11, and the M66. These are affordable options and also quite convenient when you consider parking costs.

If you’re driving down to the theater, you would be much better off planning your trip in advance and making sure to book early. Parking spots at the Lincoln Center can be expensive. Generally, the prices of the slots are dependent on the event, timing, and occasion. Parking at the Lincoln Center can range from $30 to $60, with valet parking ranging higher. When coupled with the fact that the slots are subject to availability, you might have a tight fix on your hands if you are working within a budget and you don’t book fast enough. However, there are parking garages in the area that offer ready alternatives to on-site parking.