The New Victory Theater has had many second acts. Originally opened in 1900, its stage has hosted legendary acts like Harry Houdini, comedians Abbott and Costello, and burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee. Once an XXX-rated movie house, the venue is now dedicated solely to children’s and family-friendly programming. Theater aficionados, architecture lovers, and curious New Yorkers can uncover all the past lives of the New Victory Theater on a new tour experience with Broadway Up Close launching this month.

New Victory Theater
All Photos by Elizabeth Leidel

On September 29th, Untapped New York Insiders can join an exclusive run of the tour led by Broadway Up Close founder Tim Dolan! Tickets for Insiders are discounted to $10, a $56 value. Registration for tickets opens on September 15th at 12pm ET.

Behind the Scenes at the New Victory Theater

New Victory Theater

On this new tour, guests will hear stories of cows on the roof, dynamite in the basement, and horses on stage. These outrageous memories come to life through rare historical photographs as you stand in the very building where they happened. As you tour the theater, your guide will point out stunning architectural details, from a giant dome that hangs above the audience to intricate mosaic tiling that dates to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Tourgoers will also discover how New 42, New Victory Theater’s parent organization, transformed the theater and was a major part of the revitalization of Times Square. All of the Broadway Up Close guides are working actors or stage managers with first-hand knowledge of show business.

New Victory Theater
All Photos by Elizabeth Leidel

This 90-minute tour experience opens to the public on September 13th. Tours will run weekly tours on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:00 PM and select Sundays at 11:00 AM. See the full schedule and book your tickets here.

Join Untapped New York Insiders for an exclusive run of these new tours on September 29th and peek inside the theater’s 1940s projection room! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today with promo code JOINUS and get your first month free!

Behind the Scenes at the New Victory Theater

Next, check out 10 Oldest Theaters on Broadway