Show Finder
August Wilson Theatre
Address
245 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019
Public Transport
Accessibility
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Box Office
Outer lobby of theater at street level. Counter 47" -
Curb Ramps
North west corner of 52nd Street & Broadway; North East corner of 52nd Street & 8th Avenue -
Restroom
Womens and Mens: Accessible restroom on orchestra level near stair lift. Unisex: Door 32.5". Clear space 21" x 24" -
Elevator/Escalator
None. A stair lift is provided for accessible entrance to the orchestra from the street level. -
Entrance
Three sets double doors in series: 1st set (each 26") to outer lobby; down three steps through 2nd set (each 30"). Alternate entrance: Stair lift provides direct access from 52nd Street. Enter at doors at ground level, left of main entrance (4th set of double doors under the marquee). Lift immediately inside door. Goes directly to orchestra level. Upon arrival at theater, please contact manager or uniformed custodian on duty in theater box office lobby for assistance. -
Water Fountain
The water fountain is located in lower lobby, one flight down from the orchestra (8 steps down from street level). For patrons unable to use the stairs, water will be available at the concession stand. -
Assisted Listening System
audio induction neck loops and infrared headsets are available at the headset booth in the Main Lobby next to the bar. Reservations are not necessary. Drivers license or ID with printed address required as a deposit. Please call: (212) 582-7678 to reserve in advance. -
Wheelchair Info
Wheelchair seating is in the orchestra only, and accessible via a lift from the street level. -
Folding Armrests
Seats with folding armrests plus companion seat available for purchase online, in person, or over the phone.
Theater Description
Designed by architects C. Howard Crane and Kenneth Franzheim and constructed by the Theatre Guild, it opened as the Guild Theatre in 1925 with a revival of George Bernard Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra.In 1943, the building was leased to WOR-Mutual Radio as a studio. The American National Theater and Academy purchased it in 1950 and renamed it the ANTA Theatre. In 1981, the theatre was purchased by Jujamcyn Theaters and named the Virginia Theatre for owner and Jujamcyn Board member Virginia McKnight Binger.
After her husband James H. Binger's death in 2004, producer and president of Jujamcyn Rocco Landesman announced that he planned to buy Jujamcyn. He told the New York Times he had a long-standing understanding with Binger that he would buy the corporation's five playhouses. The theatres had an estimated net asset value of $30 million.
On October 16, 2005, fourteen days after American playwright August Wilson's death, the theatre was renamed in his honor.
Watch a video about the August Wilson Theatre at spotlightonbroadway.com
