The New York State Theater is a traditional proscenium theater with seating for 2,755. Part of New York's famed Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex, the theater occupies the south side of the main plaza (at Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street) that it shares with the Metropolitan Opera House and Avery Fisher Hall. The New York State Theater is home to both New York City Ballet and New York City Opera.

The New York State Theater was designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee. It opened in 1964. It is a proscenium theater seating 2,755. The auditorium features continental-style seating (no center aisle) on the Orchestra level and five ascending "Rings" (balconies).

The New York State Theater was specifically designed for dance with excellent sight lines. There are few partial-view seats. The auditorium is shallower, front to back, than other Lincoln Center houses, minimizing the distance between the back of the house and the stage.

The New York State Theater was renamed the David H. Koch Theater in fall 2008 in honor of Mr. Koch’s $100 million lead gift to the Ballet and Opera’s joint capital campaign.

Renovation Schedule

Due to a joint initiative of New York City Ballet and New York City Opera to renovate and refurbish the David H. Koch Theater, please note that the building will at times be closed for construction during 2008–2009. However, this construction will not affect New York City Ballet performances, which will take place in the David H. Koch Theater as noted below. The 2008–09 New York City Opera season will present a series of concerts and events throughout the five boroughs of New York while its home at the David H. Koch Theater is under renovation. The New York State Theater was renamed the David H. Koch Theater in fall 2008 in honor of Mr. Koch’s $100 million lead gift to the Ballet and Opera’s joint capital campaign.