Hudson Theatre

The Hudson Theatre first opened on October 19, 1903, with Cousin Kate starring Ethel Barrymore. Although the firm of J. B. McElfatrick & Son first drew up the architectural design of the theatre in 1902, the firm of Israels & Harder ultimately took over and completed the project. The venue was built for theatrical producer Henry B. Harris, who managed the theatre until his death as a passenger on the RMS Titanic in 1912. 

During the 1930s and 1940s, the building was also used as for CBS Radio broadcasts when it wasn't being used for theatrical productions. NBC purchased the property in 1950, converting it into a permanent television studio. The venue housed The Tonight Show from 1954 to 1959.

Over the next few decades, under the ownership of developer Abraham Hirschfeld, the building was used for theatrical productions (1960 to 1968), as an adult movie house (from 1974), and as the Savoy rock club (from 1980). The Hudson Theatre was awarded New York landmark status in 1987.

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels purchased the Hudson in 1995 as a part of the surrounding luxury hotel known as the Millennium Broadway and used as a business conference center and auditorium. During this time, it was additionally used as a stand-up comedy venue for Comedy Central broadcasts.

In 2015, Ambassador Theatre Group purchased the venue as its second official Broadway venue, following the Lyric Theatre. After fully shutting down and undergoing a major renovation, the Hudson reopened in 2017 with a revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical Sunday in the Park with George, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Since the theatre first opened in 1903 and reopened from scratch in 2017, the Hudson is simultaneously Broadway's oldest and newest theatre.

How to get to the Hudson Theatre on Broadway

The closest subway stop to the Hudson Theatre is 42nd Street - Times Square on the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S lines. The 42nd Street - Bryant Park stop on the B, D, F, M, and 7 lines is also nearby.

There are two bus stops nearest to the theatre: 6th Ave/W 44th St. on the M55, QM2, QM3, QM4, QM15, QM16, QM17, QM18, and QM20 lines; and 6th Ave/West 45th St. on the QM1, QM5, QM6, M5, and M7 lines.

Restaurants near the Hudson Theatre

Popular restaurants near the Hudson Theatre in NYC include Carmine's (Italian), Tony's Di Napoli (Italian), Hunt & Fish Club (steakhouse), Junior's (American), Connolly's Irish pub, and the Hard Rock Cafe (American).

Learn more about popular pre- and post-show restaurants in the Theatre District.