Why should I visit?
If you love musicals, you’ll probably adore the Museum of Broadway – but even if you don’t know your ‘Oklahoma!’ from ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning’, there’s something deeply magical here. This isn't just a collection of costumes and photos: it’s a walk-through timeline of how Broadway became Broadway, with immersive, interactive exhibits that make you feel like you’re part of the show.
Somewhere around the making-of-a-show section, it hit me: the real magic of theatre comes from the countless people you never see. I walked out with a newfound respect for every role that brings a show to life.
A little bit of back story
Spanning around 26,000 square feet, the Museum of Broadway opened in November 2022 as a long-awaited celebration of New York’s most iconic art form. It was designed not just as a place to look at artifacts behind glass, but as a vibrant walk-through of Broadway’s past, present and ever-evolving future.
Created by theatre historians, designers and visual artists, this place feels immersive, emotional and genuinely fun – the kind of experience that invites you to step right into the story.
The result is a highly interactive space where Broadway lovers can wander through decades of theatrical history, see how shows are built from the ground up, and gain a whole new appreciation for the creativity, innovation and the sheer hard work that brings each production to life.
The orginal Showgirls, the The Ziegfeld Follies!
Okay, I’m keen, how do I get there?
The Museum of Broadway is just off Times Square, at 145 West 45th Street, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue.
It’s located next to the Lyceum Theatre, which, by the way, is the oldest continuously operating Broadway theatre.
By subway:
Times Square – 42 St is your closest major station, and it’s served by a huge number of lines: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W and S. It’s a simple 3–5 minute walk from the station to the museum.
You can also use 49 St on the N, R and W lines, which is even closer (about a 2-minute walk), or 42 St – Bryant Park on the B, D, F and M lines if you’re coming from Midtown East.
On foot:
If you're already exploring Midtown, it’s an easy walk from loads of nearby landmarks:
- 5 minutes from Times Square’s main plaza
- 10 minutes from Bryant Park
- 15 minutes from Rockefeller Center
- 20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal
How do I get in with my New York Pass?
Using your New York Pass to visit is super straightforward – just show your pass at the ticketing desk at the back of the Merchandise Store on the ground floor and you’ll be given a ticket to enter the museum.
No notes.
What’s included?
There’s a lot packed into the Museum of Broadway. Here’s a breakdown, plus my favorite moments:
Instead of walking straight into a gallery, you climb a set of stairs designed to feel exactly like the backstage stairwell of a real Broadway theatre. As you head up, you’ll hear an actual backstage recording from 'Into the Woods’ – think stage managers calling cues, actors warming up and that pre-show buzz that instantly gets you in the mood.
Broadway timeline
The Museum of Broadway guides you through the sparkling chronological journey of theatrical history, beginning with the glittering spectacle of the Ziegfeld Follies (the precursor to the emergence of ‘the Broadway show’). There’s pink, there’s feathers and there’s giant jewelled dresses, it was all my ‘Life of a Showgirl' dreams come true!
From there, you move through the early 1900s, where shows like ‘Oklahoma!’ helped define the foundations of the modern musical. As you wander into the 1940s and 50s, you’ll meet the titans – ‘West Side Story’, 'Cabaret’ and other productions that shaped Broadway’s golden era – before stepping into the innovation of the 1960s with titles like 'Company'.
The 1970s bring the vibrant joy of The Wiz (yes, complete with a very Instagrammable yellow brick road staircase, that I obviously took some pics on), ‘A Chorus Line', and the rise of jukebox musicals. The timeline then carries you through to contemporary hits and the cultural shifts that continue to change Broadway today.
My personal highlight was a giant quilt featuring a selection of embroidered and quilted panels for a load of different shows – craft goals!
My next craft goal... unlocked!
Through the stage door
One of the most captivating parts of the museum is the immersive ‘Making of a Broadway Show’ experience, which doubles as a look into the full life cycle of a production. Rather than simply showing you costumes or posters, you’re invited behind the curtain. Step into writers’ rooms filled with early drafts, design studios where sets and props are imagined, sound and lighting desks where atmosphere is created, and costume and stage management stations that keep everything running smoothly.
It’s an in-depth look at how an idea grows into a full production, from those first sparks of creativity all the way to opening night. Walking through it gives you a real appreciation for the sheer number of people and skills involved in bringing a single show to life.
For memorabilia fans, there’s plenty to admire. You’ll find iconic items from shows like 'Phantom of the Opera’, 'Rent', ‘Wicked’and many more. I have to admit, it was pretty surreal to see the ACTUAL cast from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’!
All in all, the Museum of Broadway feels like stepping straight into the spotlight and into an endlessly photogenic, hands-on journey where the timeline isn’t something you just read, it’s something you literally walk through.
See how the shows we know and love started life on the page
What facilities are there?
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Restrooms can be found on every floor and are worth checking out as each level’s washroom is themed around a different show!
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The entrance and exit of the museum is through a merchandise store offering Broadway-branded merch, show-themed items, sketches, set-models and unique souvenirs.
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Coat-check and lockers are available for coats and bags; just be aware that large items of luggage can’t be accommodated.
Best photo spots (AKA where to strike a pose)
If I’m being honest, everything in there is a great photo spot, but here are a few of my absolute faves!
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The Cabaret chairs – even Jonathan Groff couldn’t resist posing on those when he visited!
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Let the sunshine in swing – there are flowers, it’s colorful and it’s a swing. No notes.
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Wiz, yellow brick road – who doesn’t want a picture on the yellow brick road?
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An Oklahoma! wheat field – if you know, you know.
Sadly, didn't bump into Jonathon Groff, though *cries in musical*
Where should I go next?
Once you’ve soaked up Broadway history, here are some great nearby recommendations:
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Catch a Broadway show – obviously. The museum is a perfect prelude to seeing a live performance.
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Times Square – you’re already in the heart of it; combine your museum trip with some Times Square wandering (or a selfie spree).
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Madame Tussauds – meet A-listers, superheroes and historical icons all under one roof (and get some truly unhinged but fabulous photos).
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RiseNY – soar over the skyline on the flying theater ride and wander through NYC-themed immersive galleries right across the street.
Curtain call!
Visiting the Museum of Broadway is more than just a walk down memory lane, it’s a celebration of creativity, and the community behind every show.
Whether you’re a lifelong Broadway fan or someone who’s only ever heard the songs on TikTok, this museum offers something meaningful, surprising and deeply entertaining.
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