Tickets and More at Lincoln Square’s Box Offices

The history of the term “box office” isn’t quite clear. Some sources suggest that it originated in the 1700s and referred to the ticket office for “boxes”—the balcony compartments in theaters where wealthier patrons sat during shows. Others claim that the term was first used much earlier, during the days of Elizabethan theatre and Shakespeare, when money for plays was collected in a Tudor money box. Here in Lincoln Square, though, a neighborhood packed with theaters and cultural venues, box offices continue to evolve, each having its own character and some offering more than just the tickets.

Tickets and A Shop
In one trip, you can easily purchase groceries, shop for a new outfit, and pick up your tickets for shows at Jazz at Lincoln Center (Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor; 212-721-6500). That’s because the box office is conveniently located at the ground floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle. The location also makes it perfect to pick up tickets the day of a performance, enjoy dinner at one of the many celebrated restaurants at The Shops, and then swing by the Frederick P. Rose Hall or The Appel Room for the show. The box office is open Monday through Saturday (10:00am to 6:00pm) and Sunday (12:00pm to 6:00pm). 

New York City Ballet’s (20 Lincoln Center Plaza; 212-496-0600) interior regales visitors with its grandeur. Choreographer George Balanchine himself was extremely involved in the building of the stage and auditorium, and the lobby was just as thoughtfully designed. It’s there, in the lobby, that you’ll find the box office. Take your time to enjoy the combination of gold, stone, and glass, which give a clean, noble air to the space. Visit an hour before showtime, and you can peruse the Ballet's kiosk for tiaras, jewelry, and t-shirts. The box office is open Monday (10:00am to 7:30pm), Tuesday through Saturday (10:00am to 8:30pm), and Sunday (11:30pm to 7:30pm). 

The Metropolitan Opera’s ‘60s interior, with its swooping staircases, tinges of gold, and red carpeted lobby, exudes old school glamour, making even a trip to purchase tickets an experience. Step into the lobby (30 Lincoln Center; 212-362-6000) and up to one of several booths to pick up your tickets, then pop into the abutting Met Opera Store. You’ll find an extensive range of Metropolitan Opera memorabilia, including DVDs of celebrated performances, bucket hats, erasers, and even high-end jewelry. On performance days, the box office is open Monday through Saturday (10:00am to 8:00pm) and Sunday (12:00pm to 6:00pm). On non-performance days, the box office is open Monday through Saturday (10:00am to 6:00pm) and Sunday (12:00pm to 6:00pm). 

A few blocks north, The Juilliard School’s Box Office (60 Lincoln Center Plaza; 212-769-7406) is as modern as The Met’s is classic. A small black and white glass box office is located directly next to The Peter Jay Sharp Theater. Before or after your visit, you can stop by The Juilliard Store (144 W 66th Street between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway) just around the corner. From totes and sweatshirts to mugs and sheet music, the store is the perfect place to find a gift for your favorite musician. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday (11:00am to 5:00pm).

Grab a Treat
When planning to stop by the New York Philharmonic’s box office (10 Lincoln Center Plaza; 212-721-6500), consider leaving extra time. Located in the recently renovated David Geffen Hall, the lobby is full of comfortable seating and offers free Wi-Fi. During the day, you can also enjoy a coffee or pastry at the lobby’s coffee bar. The box office is open Monday through Saturday (10:00am to 6:00pm) and Sunday (12:00pm to 6:00pm). 

Tickets for Film at Lincoln Center are located at two locations. The Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center (144 W 65th Street between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway; 212-875-5232) is right along the street, with the box office jutting out on West 65th Street. Once your tickets are secured, step into the lobby for a drink or meal at Café Paradiso. The Italian-inspired café has both takeaway drinks and pastries, as well as a full bar and restaurant for those interested in sitting and enjoying the ambiance. Meanwhile, tickets are also available at the Walter Reade Theater (165 W 65th Street between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway; 212-875-5232). Box offices are open 30 minutes before the first screening of the day at that venue and close 15 minutes after the start of the final screening. 

Right beside the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Alexander Calder's "Le Guichet" sculpture (it translates to "The Box Office"), and across from sculptor Henry Moore's acclaimed "Reclining Figure," you’ll find Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway), with red neon signs illuminating the theater’s entrance. Enter the left side of the building and head down the carpeted stairs two floors to find the box office's ticket windows, where you can purchase tickets for plays at The Vivian Beaumont, Mitzi E. Newhouse and Claire Tow Theaters. If you’re stopping by after 4:00pm, consider swinging by Lincoln Ristorante for dinner—it’s located just across from the theater. The box office is open Monday through Saturday (10:00am to 8:00pm) and Sunday (12:00pm to 6:00pm). 

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center fans can pick up tickets for performances at the box office at Alice Tully Hall (1941 Broadway at W 65th Street; 212-721-6500). The box office is open Monday through Saturday (10:00am to 6:00pm) and Sunday (12:00pm to 6:00pm), as well as 30 minutes after the start of any performance.

At TKTS Lincoln Center in the David Rubenstein Atrium (61 W 62nd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave), you can snag discount tickets to many of the top Broadway and off-Broadway shows. The box office is located within this POPS (privately owned public space), which means the rest of the atrium is available for you to sit and rest, read, or work. Beyond the generous number of chairs and tables available, marvel over the atrium’s plant wall, grab a bite from The Independent Café, or check out if there are any free events that evening. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday (11:00am to 6:00pm).

Other Ticket Locations in Lincoln Square
The Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Concert Hall (129 W 67th St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway; 212-501-3330) has an overhang right outside of its box office, making it easy to spot from down the block. Enter the bright red box office to pick up or purchase your tickets. To the right of the room is the entrance to the Lucy Moses School, which offers a wide range of music, dance, and theater classes for all ages. The box office is open Monday through Friday (12:00pm to 5:00pm).

You can find the box office for AMC Lincoln Square 13 (1998 Broadway between W 67th and W 68th Street; 212-336-5020) in the front lobby. Pick up your movie tickets early to ensure a great seat. Then head to the concession stand for popcorn and snacks! The theater is open daily during showtimes. 

The West Side YMCA puts on its own performances at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater (10 W 64 Street between Broadway and Central Park West; 212-912-2618). This March, Shakespeare's Henry V will run from March 15 through 17, performed by the Knickerbocker Players and First Maria Ensemble. The box office is open Monday through Friday (12:00pm to 5:00pm).

Although tickets for all performances are also available online (and some venues also offer rush tickets!), the unique locations of the box offices in Lincoln Square make what might normally feel like a chore suddenly a treat. From coffee and a croissant to a quick shopping spree, there’s much to see and do in and around the neighborhood’s box offices. Now, the only question that remains is, what will be your next show?