Delacorte Theater

View More to Do
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Delacorte Theater Logo

At a Glance

Time Needed: 180 min.

Ages: 5+

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Delacorte Theater is a unique and historic outdoor theater located in Central Park, New York City. It is known for its famous Shakespeare in the Park performances, which are free and open to the public. Visitors to the Delacorte Theater can enjoy the beauty of Central Park while watching world-class theater productions featuring some of the most talented actors in the industry. Attending a show at the Delacorte Theater is a great way to experience the magic of live theater in a truly unique and beautiful setting. The theater is surrounded by lush trees, and the stage is set against the stunning backdrop of Central Park. It's an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the power of storytelling. In addition to the Shakespeare in the Park performances, the Delacorte Theater also hosts a variety of other productions throughout the year, including musicals, concerts, and other theatrical events. Whether you're a theater buff or just looking for a fun and unique way to spend an evening in New York City, the Delacorte Theater is a must-visit destination.

Central Park, New York, NY 10019 Get Directions





Delacorte Theater Videos

Join Alyssa Wray for an enchanting day in Central Park, lovingly cared for by the Central Park Conservancy, before experiencing The Public's Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater! 🌟🎭🌳 Adventure off and explore the "beautiful view" of the Belvedere Castle and the Shakespeare Garden, then set sail on a rowboat or take a carousel ride for some nostalgic joy! 🚣‍♂️🎠 To top it all off, treat yourself at Public Fare before enjoying your evening with a captivating FREE show under the Central Park stars! 🌭🌌 🎥 by Room 3

HAMLET at The Delacorte Theater through August 6, 2023 Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Kenny Leon Returning once again to Free Shakespeare in the Park, director Kenny Leon commands The Delacorte stage with a nine-week, tour-de-force production of the Bard’s masterpiece, HAMLET, a riveting, contemporary present-day take on Shakespeare’s classic tale of family and betrayal, as enduring as the stars above Central Park. “Hamlet is arguably the greatest play in the Western canon, and I am thrilled that Kenny Leon will be helming this summer's production. As he demonstrated with his brilliant production of Much Ado About Nothing, Kenny has an expert way of making Shakespeare come alive in a contemporary American context, illuminating these great works while also reimagining them for our times and our country,” said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. “Hamlet will be a beautiful salute to the city as we head into a season where we will be renewing and renovating our beautiful home, The Delacorte Theater.” “I’m so happy to be at The Delacorte once again and to share something that binds us to one another,” said director Kenny Leon. “A 400-year-old play exploring the need for a strong foundation of family, with music and words, Shakespeare’s Hamlet has much to say about humanity and the importance of our connectedness to each other. We set this production in 2021, filled with all of the challenges we face as Americans as we explore our need to love more profoundly both nature and its people.” Learn more about this season's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of HAMLET & check out the 5 WAYS you can access FREE tickets at thepublic.nyc/HAMLET23.

"Gods Cry" Music written by Jason Michael Webb and Colby Lewis Lyrics by Colby Lewis Gods Cry is dedicated to the memory of Colby Lewis’ cousin Shironda Williams Glaz. HAMLET at The Delacorte Theater through August 6, 2023 Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Kenny Leon Returning once again to Free Shakespeare in the Park, director Kenny Leon commands The Delacorte stage with a nine-week, tour-de-force production of the Bard’s masterpiece, HAMLET, a riveting, contemporary present-day take on Shakespeare’s classic tale of family and betrayal, as enduring as the stars above Central Park. “Hamlet is arguably the greatest play in the Western canon, and I am thrilled that Kenny Leon will be helming this summer's production. As he demonstrated with his brilliant production of Much Ado About Nothing, Kenny has an expert way of making Shakespeare come alive in a contemporary American context, illuminating these great works while also reimagining them for our times and our country,” said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. “Hamlet will be a beautiful salute to the city as we head into a season where we will be renewing and renovating our beautiful home, The Delacorte Theater.” “I’m so happy to be at The Delacorte once again and to share something that binds us to one another,” said director Kenny Leon. “A 400-year-old play exploring the need for a strong foundation of family, with music and words, Shakespeare’s Hamlet has much to say about humanity and the importance of our connectedness to each other. We set this production in 2021, filled with all of the challenges we face as Americans as we explore our need to love more profoundly both nature and its people.” Learn more about this season's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of HAMLET & check out the 5 WAYS you can access FREE tickets at thepublic.nyc/HAMLET23.

HAMLET at The Delacorte Theater through August 6, 2023 Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Kenny Leon Returning once again to Free Shakespeare in the Park, director Kenny Leon commands The Delacorte stage with a nine-week, tour-de-force production of the Bard’s masterpiece, HAMLET, a riveting, contemporary present-day take on Shakespeare’s classic tale of family and betrayal, as enduring as the stars above Central Park. “Hamlet is arguably the greatest play in the Western canon, and I am thrilled that Kenny Leon will be helming this summer's production. As he demonstrated with his brilliant production of Much Ado About Nothing, Kenny has an expert way of making Shakespeare come alive in a contemporary American context, illuminating these great works while also reimagining them for our times and our country,” said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. “Hamlet will be a beautiful salute to the city as we head into a season where we will be renewing and renovating our beautiful home, The Delacorte Theater.” “I’m so happy to be at The Delacorte once again and to share something that binds us to one another,” said director Kenny Leon. “A 400-year-old play exploring the need for a strong foundation of family, with music and words, Shakespeare’s Hamlet has much to say about humanity and the importance of our connectedness to each other. We set this production in 2021, filled with all of the challenges we face as Americans as we explore our need to love more profoundly both nature and its people.” Learn more about this season's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of HAMLET & check out the 5 WAYS you can access FREE tickets at thepublic.nyc/HAMLET23.

HAMLET Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Kenny Leon Returning once again to Free Shakespeare in the Park, director Kenny Leon commands The Delacorte stage with a nine-week, tour-de-force production of the Bard’s masterpiece, HAMLET, a riveting, contemporary present-day take on Shakespeare’s classic tale of family and betrayal, as enduring as the stars above Central Park. “Hamlet is arguably the greatest play in the Western canon, and I am thrilled that Kenny Leon will be helming this summer's production. As he demonstrated with his brilliant production of Much Ado About Nothing, Kenny has an expert way of making Shakespeare come alive in a contemporary American context, illuminating these great works while also reimagining them for our times and our country,” said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. “Hamlet will be a beautiful salute to the city as we head into a season where we will be renewing and renovating our beautiful home, The Delacorte Theater.” “I’m so happy to be at The Delacorte once again and to share something that binds us to one another,” said director Kenny Leon. “A 400-year-old play exploring the need for a strong foundation of family, with music and words, Shakespeare’s Hamlet has much to say about humanity and the importance of our connectedness to each other. We set this production in 2021, filled with all of the challenges we face as Americans as we explore our need to love more profoundly both nature and its people.” Learn more about this season's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of HAMLET & the 5 ways you can access free tickets at thepublic.nyc/HAMLET23

In this ninth Episode of Public Square 2.0, the re-launch of The Public Theater’s podcast, Public Square, host Garlia Cornelia Jones speaks to leaders in the industry about the future of theater and digital spaces. For our season finale, Garlia sits down with Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater for an inside look on the responsibilities of an artistic director. She also speaks with Scarlett Kim, Associate Director of Innovation and Strategy at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Sarah Ellis, Director of Digital Development at Royal Shakespeare Company about the role of digital media in legacy institutions. Executive Producer: Garlia Cornelia Jones, Director - Innovation and New Media Creative Producer: John Sloan III, Ghostlight Productions Audio Producer: Justin K. Sloan, Ghostlight Productions Assistant Producer: Emily White - New Media Associate Graphics by Tam Shell, Art Director - Brand Studio Music Credits: "Baby I'm Stuck In a Cone " by Ge Filter Fish, Artlist.io "Latte" by Sunny Fruit, Artlist.io "This Is the Life" by Yuval Maayan, Artlist.io "Beatrix" by Notize, Artlist.iorr "Northern Glory" By The SoundKeeper, Artlist.io "Catch Me" By Russo, Arlist.io The project Scarlett mentions at the end, Hella Iambic, is created by Glow Up Games.

More in The Upper West Side


More Attractions

Delacorte Theater News

The Public Theater's Free Bilingual Musical THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Returns

The Public Theater has announced complete casting for the encore tour of Mobile Unit's bilingual musical adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy THE COMEDY OF ERRORS.

The Love Show NYC's GL'AMOUR! Returns To The Slipper Room

The Love Show NYC will present Gl'Amour! at The Slipper Room on Wednesday, April 24th at 7:30pm.

Meet the Cast of THE WIZ, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

The Wiz is beginning previews on Broadway tonight, March 29, following its pre-Broadway national tour! Meet the cast of The Wiz here!

Suzan-Lori Parks' SALLY & TOM to Begin Performances at The Public Theater Next Week

The Public Theater will begin previews for the New York premiere of SALLY & TOM, a bold new dramedy written by Pulitzer Prize winner and Public Theater Writer-in-Residence Suzan-Lori Parks. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Patti LuPone & More to Join Atlantic Theater Company 2024 Gala

Atlantic Theater Company will present their 2024 Gala on Monday, April 29, 2024 at The Plaza. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.

The Public Theater to Present Gala Honoring HELL'S KITCHEN

The Public’s Annual Gala will take place on Wednesday, May 8 with a special performance of HELL’S KITCHEN on Broadway. Learn more about the gala!

Krysta Rodriguez To Perform At Out Of The Box Theatrics' BROADWAY AT THE 154 CABARET SERIES

Broadway star Krysta Rodriguez joins Out of the Box Theatrics' Broadway at the 154 Cabaret.

Kate Walsh & More to Star in JORDANS World Premiere at The Public Theater

The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of JORDANS written by Ife Olujobi and directed by Obie Award winner Whitney White. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

The 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards to Take Place in May

The 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards will be handed out in the annual ceremony set to take place Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 7:00PM at NYU Skirball. Learn more about who is being honored!

Christian Borle, Krysta Rodriguez, & Ephraim Sykes Will Lead Kennedy Center's BYE BYE BIRDIE

Christian Borlw, Krysta Rodrigues, and Ephraim Sykes will lead The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts's Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie. With direction by Marc Bruni, check out the cast and find out how to get tickets for the production which runs in June 2024.

The Public Theater Sets Traveling Free Shakespeare in the Park Schedule for Summer 2024

The Public Theater will present GO PUBLIC! A Festival of Free Shakespeare in the Park, featuring a suite of free summer programming taking place across all five boroughs. Learn more about The Public's summer 2024 season.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Stage Film to Premiere on PBS This May; Great Performances Sets New 'Broadway's Best' Lineup

The live capture of the recent Broadway revival of Purlie Victorious is premiering on PBS this May. Starring Leslie Odom Jr., the Kenny Leon-directed production was filmed before it closed on Broadway earlier this year. The lineup also includes the Audra McDonald concert, Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary, Hamlet, and more!

Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon & More Will Reprise Roles in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway

AKW Productions has just announced the Broadway premiere of the new musical HELL’S KITCHEN and we have the full list of stars and newcomers!

GREAT PERFORMANCES to Air Audra McDonald Concert, Public Theatre's HAMLET & More This Spring

Audra McDonald's London Palladium Concert, The Public Theater’s production of Hamlet, Elton John And Bernie Taupin: The Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song concert special and a star-studded Rogers & Hammerstein celebration are coming to PBS. The specials will feature Ato Blankson-Wood, Aaron Tveit, Marisha Wallace, and more.

Kristolyn Lloyd, Leland Fowler & More to Star in Suzan-Lori Parks' SALLY & TOM at The Public Theater

The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the New York premiere of SALLY & TOM, a bold new dramedy written by Pulitzer Prize winner and Public Theater Writer-in-Residence Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.


Delacorte Theater Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Delacorte Theater

The closest subway stops to Delacorte Theater at Central Park are:

1. 72nd Street Station: This station is served by the 1, 2, and 3 trains. It is located on Broadway, just a short walk away from the theater. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)

2. 66th Street - Lincoln Center Station: This station is served by the 1 train and is located near Lincoln Center, which is a beautiful cultural hub in the city. It's a slightly longer walk to Delacorte Theater, but you can enjoy the scenic walk through Central Park. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)

While you're in the area, I recommend exploring some of the other attractions near Central Park, like:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located on Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, the Met is one of the world's largest and most renowned art museums. It's just a short walk from Central Park and definitely worth a visit. [Click here for more information](https://www.metmuseum.org/)

2. Strawberry Fields: This peaceful memorial in Central Park is dedicated to John Lennon and is located near the entrance at West 72nd Street. It's a great spot to take a moment of reflection and enjoy the beauty of the park.

3. The Dakota Building: Just across the street from Strawberry Fields, you'll find the iconic Dakota Building, known for being the former residence of John Lennon and the site of his tragic death. It's a historic building with stunning architecture.

Remember to check the MTA website for any subway updates or changes in service. Enjoy your visit to Delacorte Theater and have a fantastic time exploring Central Park and its surrounding attractions!


What's the best way to get to Delacorte Theater by bus?

The closest NYC bus stops to Delacorte Theater at Central Park are:

1. Central Park West/W 81 St: This stop is served by the M10 bus. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M10).

2. 5 Av/W 79 St: This stop is served by the M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses. You can check for updates on the M1 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M1), the M2 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M2), the M3 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M3), and the M4 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M4).

Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates closer to your visit. Enjoy your time at Delacorte Theater and Central Park!


How much time should I plan to spend at Delacorte Theater?

The ideal length of time to plan to spend at Delacorte Theater in New York City depends on the show you are attending. The theater is located in Central Park and is home to the famous Shakespeare in the Park productions. These performances are typically around two and a half hours long, including an intermission. However, it's always a good idea to arrive early to secure a good spot and soak in the beautiful surroundings. So, I would recommend setting aside at least three hours for your visit to Delacorte Theater. This will give you enough time to find your seat, enjoy the performance, and take in the magical atmosphere of Central Park.


Can I bring food and drinks into Delacorte Theater?

The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, is an iconic outdoor venue that hosts the annual Shakespeare in the Park productions. When it comes to food and drink, the theater has a few guidelines in place.

Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the theater, so feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the performance. However, please be mindful of others around you and avoid bringing anything that may be noisy or have a strong odor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought into the theater. However, there is a bar located on-site where you can purchase a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. It's a great option if you'd like to indulge in a refreshing beverage while watching the show.

Keep in mind that the Delacorte Theater is an outdoor venue, so it's always a good idea to come prepared for the weather. Bring a jacket or blanket to keep warm during cooler evenings, and consider bringing bug spray during the summer months.

Overall, the Delacorte Theater offers a relaxed food and drink policy, allowing you to enjoy a picnic-style experience while watching a fantastic performance under the stars.


Does Delacorte Theater offer luggage storage?

The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, does not have a luggage storage policy. As an outdoor theater, it does not have designated storage facilities for personal belongings. It is recommended that you travel light and only bring essential items to the theater. If you have larger bags or luggage, it is best to leave them at your hotel or find a nearby luggage storage service.


Is Delacorte Theater a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, is a fantastic destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The theater is renowned for its free Shakespeare in the Park performances, which attract theater enthusiasts from all over the world.

One of the great things about Shakespeare's plays is that they are timeless and can be enjoyed by audiences regardless of language barriers. The Delacorte Theater offers supertitles, which are projected translations of the dialogue onto screens on either side of the stage. This allows non-English speakers to follow along and fully immerse themselves in the performance.

Attending a show at the Delacorte Theater is not only a cultural experience but also an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Central Park. The theater is an open-air venue, providing a unique and enchanting atmosphere. It's a great way to spend a summer evening in New York City.

Keep in mind that tickets for the Delacorte Theater's Shakespeare in the Park performances are highly sought after and can be challenging to obtain. They are distributed through a digital lottery system, so be sure to plan ahead and check their website for details on how to enter for a chance to win tickets.

Overall, the Delacorte Theater is a must-visit for theater lovers and a fantastic option for visitors from other countries and non-English speakers looking to experience the magic of Shakespeare in the heart of New York City.


What ages are appropriate for Delacorte Theater?

The Delacorte Theater in New York City is a fantastic outdoor venue located in Central Park. It is home to the famous Shakespeare in the Park performances, which are free and open to the public. While there is no strict age limit for attending shows at the Delacorte Theater, it is generally recommended for children who are at least 5 years old and above. The performances are typically Shakespearean plays, which may contain complex language and themes that may be more suitable for older children and adults. However, it ultimately depends on your child's interest and maturity level. If you think your child would enjoy and appreciate the experience, by all means, bring them along! Just make sure to plan accordingly, as the theater can get crowded, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.


Videos