Richard Rodgers Theatre Guide: Best Seats for Hamilton and Tips
The Richard Rodgers Theatre on West 46th Street is the home of Hamilton, and it was also where Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway musical, In the Heights, played. It is a 1920s theater with a classic layout, a landmark interior, and one of the most famous ticket lotteries on Broadway. This guide covers the seating, where to sit for Hamilton, how the $10 lottery works, how to get there, and tips for the day of the show.
Richard Rodgers Theatre at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 226 West 46th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue |
| Current show | Hamilton, here since 2015 and back since September 14, 2021 |
| Seats | About 1,319 according to the Nederlander Organization, which operates it |
| Levels | Orchestra and one upper level, sold as the mezzanine, plus side boxes |
| Opened | February 7, 1925, as Chanin’s 46th Street Theatre |
| Architect | Herbert J. Krapp |
| Landmark status | Facade and interior are New York City landmarks, designated in 1987 |
A short history
The theater was built by the developer Irwin Chanin and opened in 1925 as Chanin’s 46th Street Theatre. Herbert J. Krapp, who designed many of the Broadway houses still in use, was the architect. It became simply the 46th Street Theatre in 1932, and in 1990 the Nederlander Organization renamed it for Richard Rodgers, the composer of Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music.
The list of shows that have played here is long. The original Guys and Dolls opened here in 1950. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying ran for more than 1,400 performances starting in 1961. The original production of Chicago opened here in 1975, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas ran here from 1978 to 1982. In 2008, In the Heights brought Lin-Manuel Miranda to Broadway at this theater, which made it a natural home for Hamilton when it moved uptown from the Public Theater in 2015.
How the seating works
The Richard Rodgers is a medium sized Broadway house. The orchestra is the larger level, and above it is a single upper level that Hamilton sells as the front and rear mezzanine. Boxes on each side of the stage add a small number of seats with a side angle on the action. Because the theater has only one upper level, the rear mezzanine is not as high or as distant as the top balcony in some older theaters, but it is still a long way from the stage.
Where to sit for Hamilton
Hamilton’s set is a two level wooden structure of staircases and walkways, with a turntable in the stage floor that rotates during key songs. Much of the choreography is easier to appreciate from a little height, which makes the mezzanine more appealing than you might expect.
- Front mezzanine. Often considered the best seats for Hamilton. You see the full stage, the patterns of the choreography and the turntable, and you are still reasonably close.
- Center orchestra, middle rows. Close enough to read expressions and feel the energy of the company, with a good view of both levels of the set.
- Front orchestra. Very close and very expensive. You may be looking up at the upper walkway, and you will see less of the turntable patterns, but the performances are right in front of you.
- Rear mezzanine. The least expensive seats. The view is clear, but the performers are small. Fine for a first visit on a budget.
- Box seats. A partial view from the side. Only worth it at a clear discount.
The $10 Hamilton lottery
Hamilton is known for its lottery, which offers a limited number of $10 seats for every performance. New York Theatre Guide describes the current process like this:
- Enter through the official Hamilton website or app. One entry covers the following week’s performances you pick.
- Entries open Friday at 10 a.m. and close the following Thursday at noon.
- Winners are notified on Thursday between 1 and 4 p.m. and have two hours to claim and pay.
- You can win up to two tickets.
The original Hamilton lottery was held live outside this theater, and before each drawing the cast would often perform short shows on the sidewalk, known as Ham4Ham. Read our explainer on what Ham4Ham is for the story. For other discount programs, see our Broadway lottery and rush guide.
Buying regular tickets
Buy through the official Hamilton website, which links to the authorized seller, or at the box office. Prices change with demand, and weekend and holiday performances cost the most. Midweek evenings usually offer the best value. If you look at resale, compare the full price with fees to the official price first. Our guide to ticket fees explains what to check, and this guide to safe ticket buying covers the warning signs of a bad listing.
Running time
Hamilton runs about two hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. The second act is a little shorter than the first. Check the official site for the production’s own age guidance before bringing children. For family friendly alternatives, see our list of Broadway shows for kids.
Accessibility in an older theater
Like most Broadway houses from the 1920s, the Richard Rodgers was not designed with today’s access standards in mind, and the upper level is reached by stairs. Wheelchair locations are on the orchestra level. If you or someone in your group needs step free access, an aisle seat or an assistive listening device, ask when you buy rather than on the night, so the seller can place you in the right location and tell you which entrance to use. The official Hamilton site and the box office can both help with accessible seating requests.
Planning a Hamilton day in New York
If you are traveling to see Hamilton, plan the rest of the day around the performance. Matinees usually start at 2 p.m. and evening shows at 7 or 8 p.m., so check your ticket. A matinee leaves the evening free for dinner or a second show, while an evening performance pairs well with a museum or a walk through Central Park earlier in the day. Allow at least 30 minutes to get through Times Square crowds to the theater, and more on weekends and in December, when the area is at its busiest.
Getting there
The theater is on the south side of West 46th Street, a short walk west of Times Square. The 49th Street station on the N, Q, R and W is a few blocks away, the C and E stop at 50th Street and Eighth Avenue, and Times Square to 42nd Street serves the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W and the shuttle. If you drive, there are garages on West 46th and West 45th Streets. Times Square traffic before an evening show is heavy, so leave extra time or take the subway.
Before you go
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Security screening and the narrow lobby of a 1920s theater mean the line can move slowly.
- Keep bags small. Bags are checked and space at your seat is limited.
- Restrooms. Older Broadway theaters have limited restrooms. Go before the show or right at intermission.
- Eat on Restaurant Row. West 46th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, known as Restaurant Row, is just around the corner and full of pre theater menus.
Hamilton beyond Broadway
Hamilton has toured North America for years. For the touring history and where it has played, see our page on where Hamilton is touring. For other NYC theater guides, read about the Gershwin Theatre for Wicked, the Minskoff Theatre for The Lion King and Radio City Music Hall.
Related guides
NYC theater guides
- Gershwin Theatre guide (Wicked)
- Minskoff Theatre guide (The Lion King)
- Radio City Music Hall guide
- Broadway shows in New York
Hamilton
Richard Rodgers Theatre: Common Questions
How many seats are in the Richard Rodgers Theatre?
About 1,319 according to the Nederlander Organization, which operates the theater.
What are the best seats for Hamilton?
The front mezzanine shows the full stage and choreography. The middle of the center orchestra is close and still gives a full view.
How does the Hamilton lottery work?
Enter on the official Hamilton website or app from Friday at 10 a.m. to Thursday at noon for the next week. Winners pay $10 per ticket, up to two tickets.
How long is Hamilton on Broadway?
About two hours and 45 minutes with one intermission.
When did the Richard Rodgers Theatre open?
February 7, 1925, as Chanin’s 46th Street Theatre. It was renamed for Richard Rodgers in 1990.
What subway goes to the Richard Rodgers Theatre?
The N, Q, R and W to 49th Street, the C and E to 50th Street, or any line to Times Square.
Featured photo: Richard Rodgers Theatre facade on West 46th Street. Photo: Epicgenius, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized for web.
Sources and corrections
Dates and details were checked on November 8, 2026 against these sources:
- Wikipedia: Richard Rodgers Theatre (Address, seat count, opening, architect, renaming, landmark status, past shows)
- New York Theatre Guide: rush and lottery guide (updated November 6, 2026) (Hamilton lottery price and schedule)
- Wikimedia Commons: featured photo (Photographer and license)
Dates change. Always confirm your performance on the official page before you buy. Spot an error? Email info@theatertickets.com and we will check it and update this page.
