Delacorte Theater

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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

ULYSSES: January 13, 2026 - February 15, 2026 Created by Elevator Repair Service Text: Ulysses by James Joyce Co-Direction and Dramaturgy by Scott Shepherd Directed by John Collins Following last fall’s sold-out encore of Gatz—“The most remarkable achievement in theater of the decade” (New York Times)—Elevator Repair Service (ERS) takes on the Mount Everest of twentieth-century literature. James Joyce’s ULYSSES has fascinated, perplexed, scandalized, and/or defeated readers for over a century. In this New York City premiere, seven performers sit down for a sober reading but soon find themselves guzzling pints, getting in brawls, and committing debaucheries as they careen on a fast-forward tour through Joyce’s funhouse of styles. With humor, pathos, and a richly layered design, ERS stitches together verbatim passages from Joyce’s epic masterpiece into a two-and-a-half hour tour de force.

Inside the ULYSSES rehearsal room! After the sold-out return of GATZ, Elevator Repair Service, “a heroic company that dares to venture into literary realms where theater artists are known to sink and drown” (The New York Times) — returns to The Public! For over a century, ULYSSES has fascinated, perplexed, scandalized, and defeated readers. ERS’s high-speed New York Times Critics’ Pick staging brings James Joyce’s masterpiece to life like never before. Experience the epic that reshaped modern literature live on stage! 🎟️ Watch the full video and get tickets: thepublic.nyc/ULYSSES Video by A Doll’s House Pictures (adollshousepictures.com)

WORLD PREMIERE INITIATIVE By Else Went Directed by Emma Rosa Went Playwright Else Went, alumnus of The Public’s acclaimed Emerging Writers Group, brings her transformative new play INITIATIVE to The Public this fall. A bittersweet reflection on adolescence at the dawn of the new millennium, INITIATIVE charts the intertwined lives of seven teens from 2000-2004, as they become friends and more than friends, wrestle with their potential, face incalculable loss, and struggle to find their way in (and get out of) “Coastal Podunk, California.” Emma Rosa Went directs this epic world premiere guaranteed to make you remember the most difficult and beautiful things about growing up. Learn more: https://thepublic.nyc/InitiativeBCL

THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS: A New Musical Adaptation, Music, and Lyrics by Ethan Lipton Based Upon the Play The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder Choreography by Sunny Min-Sook Hitt Directed by Leigh Silverman Obie Award-winning playwright and songwriter Ethan Lipton and two-time Tony nominee director Leigh Silverman bring their irreverently funny new musical THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS to The Public this fall. A rollicking adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Skin of Our Teeth, this new musical about age-old problems tells the twisting, often absurd story of the Antrobus family, who have been alive for 5,000 years but live in the same existential dread as the rest of us. Mired in the hot mess of their everyday worries, the Antrobuses survive all manner of catastrophes in an endless quest to begin again, and again, and again. Choreographed by Sunny Min-Sook Hitt, this bracingly original spectacle is a musical reminder that surviving is what we do best. Learn more & get tickets: https://thepublic.nyc/SEAT

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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.

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