Since I was little and took out albums (yes, vinyl albums LOL) from the library, I have always loved musicals and Broadway. I would take different ones out each week and learn the songs without even seeing the shows. The first Broadway show I saw in person was with my mom and it was The Tap Dance Kid. I’ve seen many since then and I’m always singing songs and have playlists devoted to musicals, so visiting the Museum of Broadway in New York City was a no-brainer. And it did not disappoint!
According to their website, The Museum of Broadway is an interactive and experiential museum that celebrates Broadway’s rich history. See hundreds of rare costumes, props, and artifacts and experience Broadway like never before.” So true! I thought this would be a relatively quick tour before I moved on, but as I kept walking through the exhibits, I got even more excited about what musical or play would be next and I spent almost two hours there!
There are too many Broadway shows and plays mentioned in the museum to begin to list here. But I enjoyed taking a trip back to the start of Broadway and seeing how it has grown. You also get to learn how a show is put together! (And yes, in case you were wondering, they have bathrooms for patrons.)
Over the years, some of my favorite Broadway shows that I’ve seen are Hamilton, Cabaret, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, Rent, The Producers, and Wicked, so it was so cool to see some of that memorabilia (If you love Hamilton, you can take a picture right next to the costumes).
I’ve also seen some great plays, including Goodnight Oscar (with Sean Hayes — brilliant), 39 Steps (hilarious), and A Steady Rain (that one starred Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig). In the pictures below you can also see memorabilia and costumes from other shows, such as Hair, Six, and more. What’s your favorite Broadway musical or play? Tell me in the comments.
Do not miss the gift shop! Expect to spend money (sorry LOL). I collect magnets and postcards wherever I go so I made sure to get a magnet from the Museum of Broadway. Keep reading after the photos.
The Museum of Broadway’s gift shop is like a little museum too, with so many trinkets, books and fun things you can buy to support the museum and Broadway. When I was there, I found these food-related Broadway books that I thought were so cool — I’ll Drink to That!: Broadway’s Legendary Stars, Classic Shows, and the Cocktails They Inspired and Give My Swiss Chards to Broadway: The Broadway Lover’s Cookbook. This recipe is from I’ll Drink to That!:
The museum entrance fee is a little pricey, in the $50 range not including taxes and fees, and that varies, depending on what day of the week and time you pick. However, if you are a dedicated theatergoer, or even if you have seen many musicals through streaming services, you will truly love this museum.
Make sure you check out my Instagram account where I will post videos of the Museum.
If you’re an out-of-towner coming in to see the Museum of Broadway before you see a show, I highly recommend staying at the Casablanca Hotel, located just a few blocks away so you’re right in the Broadway district. Start your booking at the link I gave you. And for some food, try Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the servers will sing. Make sure you order the Holy Moly French Toast with a mascarpone and vanilla salted caramel sauce that did make me say Holy Moly, that’s good! Another great dining option is Mama Mia 44SW, an Italian restaurant a few blocks away. The last time I was there, I ordered the Eggs Sardou from their brunch menu. Seriously it was the best eggs benedict I ever had.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: There is an affiliate link to Amazon in this article. Also, I was a guest of the Museum and I would like to thank them for hosting me.
