Let me start by saying this: I walked into a museum in Times Square fully expecting to be emotionally overwhelmed by crowds, neon, and maybe a rogue Elmo trying to upsell me on a photo. But instead, I found myself in what can only be described as Broadway’s beautifully dramatic love letter to itself: the Museum of Broadway.
This isn’t your grandmother’s museum. No dusty dioramas or “do not touch” signs that make you question every life choice. Instead, you’re pulled into an immersive, three-floor tribute to theatre history, theatrical magic, and costume sparkle that could blind an unsuspecting tourist.
You begin your journey in 1732, which is fun because nothing says “Broadway razzle-dazzle” quite like colonial America. But bear with me, because the historical timeline quickly builds into something pretty spectacular. It’s a chronological rollercoaster that takes you from the dusty beginnings of New York theatre to the high-gloss mega-musicals of today. You’ll pass through exhibits that honor the boundary-breaking shows that shaped our cultural consciousness, and yes, there’s even an actual map of current Broadway theatres so you can point and say things like, “I cried there during Les Mis.”
The exhibits are impressively curated, with a natural flow that makes you feel like you’re walking through a living Broadway scrapbook. Each room offers its dramatic flair, and the attention to detail is top-tier—this place was designed by people who care about theatre. (And possibly sleep in a Phantom mask. I respect that.)
And the staff? They were delightful. I had honest conversations with people who were shockingly well-informed and genuinely excited to answer questions. There was even light banter involved—10/10 for being helpful and casually funny while explaining how wigs are prepped for a double-show day.
Now, let’s get to the props and costumes because there are actual Broadway relics on display. I may or may not have emotionally connected with the lamp from Aladdin. I got weirdly sentimental about the boots from Kinky Boots. And yes, I briefly considered a life in stage management after seeing the beautifully chaotic backstage setups. (Spoiler: I would last maybe three hours.)
It’s also painfully photogenic. Every corner is a potential Instagram moment. You can stand in a glowing light tunnel, pose next to a rotating costume display, or dramatically clutch your chest in front of the Hamilton exhibit like you just got shot in Act II. Nobody will judge you. They’re doing the same thing.
Give yourself anywhere from one to three hours, depending on how deep you want to go down the showbiz rabbit hole. If you skim, you’ll still get a solid Broadway 101. You might walk out ready to write your own musical if you linger. (Working title: “Snack Bar Line: The Musical.”)
So, is the Museum of Broadway worth it? Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who knows all the lyrics to Wicked “by accident, you’ll find something to love here. It’s Broadway’s past, present, and future—told with heart, humor, and just enough glitter to leave you wondering if maybe, just maybe, your life is a musical.