A brand new museum tracing the history of Broadway will officially open its doors on November 15th.
The Museum of Broadway has collaborated with renowned artists, designers, and theatre historians to create an interactive experience that highlights groundbreaking moments in Broadway’s history – the moments that pushed creative boundaries, challenged social norms, and paved the way for those who would follow.
A portion of every ticket sale will go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a partner in founding the museum.
The museum’s first exhibit will feature 25 drawings and prints dating back from 1928 to 2002, curated by David Leopold and titled The American Theater as seen by (Al) Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld created more posters for shows than any other artist. The exhibit will also allow visitors to sit in a replica of Hirschfeld’s barber chair, where he drew throughout his career.
The museum is founded by entrepreneur and four-time Tony Award nominated producer Julie Boardman, and Diane Nicoletti, founder of award-winning experiential agency Rubik Marketing.
Exhibits will also include a visual history of Broadway highlighting theater’s pioneers; “The Making of a Broadway Show,” a special exhibit honoring the community of professionals on and off-stage who bring Broadway shows to life; and a retail store operated by Creative Goods.
The Museum will highlight more than 500 individual productions from the 1700s-present, including The Ziegfeld Follies, Oklahoma!, The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Rent, among many more. It was founded in collaboration with Playbill, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Billy Rose Theatre Division at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, Concord Theatricals and Goodspeed Musicals.
The museum is located at 145 West 45th Street, next door to the Lyceum Theater. Timed tickets start at $39, and a portion of every ticket sold will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Tickets can be purchased here.