David H. Koch Theater, Opera house at Lincoln Center, Upper West Side, United States.
The David H. Koch Theater is an opera house at Lincoln Center in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The light travertine-clad facade leads to an interior with golden wall panels and a large spherical chandelier above the orchestra level.
The theater opened in 1964 as the New York State Theater and was meant to provide a home for ballet and opera. Renaming occurred in 2008 after a major donation funded extensive renovation work.
The building carries the name of a businessman who donated a large sum for renovations. Visitors often see dancers in the public areas warming up before or after performances.
The auditorium spreads over several tiers, all offering clear views of the stage. The wide foyers with high windows provide plenty of space to move around during intermissions.
The ceiling displays a pattern of small faceted lights that sparkle like gemstones. These lights form five concentric rings together, running from the center outward.
Location: Upper West Side
Architects: Philip Johnson
Official opening: April 23, 1964
Architectural style: postmodern architecture
Capacity: 2586
Part of: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
GPS coordinates: 40.77190,-73.98360
Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:28
Philip Johnson designed buildings that brought together modernism and classical references, shaping how architecture developed through the 20th century. His work includes glass pavilions, office towers, public spaces, and cultural institutions. His designs show an interest in clean lines, reflective...
The Metropolitan Opera
109 m
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
71 m
15 Central Park West
321 m
Metropolitan Opera House
112 m
Trump International Hotel and Tower
345 m
David Geffen Hall
108 m
Alice Tully Hall
207 m
Vivian Beaumont Theater
191 m
New York City Opera
16 m
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
177 m
American Folk Art Museum
225 m
The Century
351 m
Millennium Tower
375 m
St. Paul the Apostle Church
281 m
Manhattan New York Temple
229 m
Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Campus
333 m
Museum of Biblical Art
204 m
Damrosch Park
85 m
Dante Park
93 m
The Sofia
151 m
Mandarin Oriental, New York
327 m
The Prasada
312 m
Harperly Hall
309 m
Reclining Figure
143 m
Theatre on Film and Tape Archive
203 m
Merkin Hall
376 m
AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 with IMAX
380 m
Guggenheim Bandshell
189 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes