The Heart of Boston’s Arts Scene: Unveiling the Theater District

Boston is a city with a rich history, as it has been the setting for some of the nation’s most historic events. But a lesser known aspect of the city is its thriving arts scene, especially the lively Boston Theater District situated in the heart of Downtown. With a variety of theaters housing Broadway hits, opera, music, comedy and dance attractions, the Theater District offers both locals and tourists an exquisite assortment of entertainment to explore. Below, learn more about plays in Boston, the city’s most iconic theaters and the attractions and accommodations that surround them with our guide.

About the Boston Theater District

The Boston Theater district is the center of Boston’s theater scene, with many of its theaters clustered in the area. Puritans had banned the performance of plays in Boston in 1792, deeming them immoral. Despite this, Boston’s first theater, The Federal Street Theatre opened in 1794, officially beginning the city’s dedication to the theater arts in the area of lower Washington and Tremont streets. Early theaters housed vaudeville and live entertainment acts, pivoting in the contemporary to house Broadway-bound shows, touring productions, dance shows, operas and a variety of entertainment.

Iconic Theaters in the District

The Boston Theater District is home to more than a dozen different venues, including the Boston Opera House, the Colonial Theatre, the Wang Theatre, the Shubert Theatre, the Cutler Majestic Theater, the Paramount Theatre, the Wilbur Theatre, the Charles Playhouse, the Modern Theatre, and the Orpheum Theatre. Each comes with distinct architectural features and elaborate interiors that have guests staring in awe not only at the performances they witness but the building that surrounds them.

Boston Opera House

539 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111

 

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The Boston Opera House, also known as the Citizens Bank Opera House, is a performing arts venue located at 539 Washington St. in Boston. It originally opened in 1928 as the B.F. Keith Memorial Theatre, but later was reopened in both 1980 and 2004 as a theater space for the performing arts. It currently serves as the home of the Boston Ballet and also hosts touring Broadway shows. Distinguishable by its opulent interior; murals, wall fabrics, lighting plaster work, marble and unique paint finishes, the venue is one of the city’s astounding feats of early 1920s architecture.

Wang Theatre

270 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

The Wang Theatre originally opened in 1925 as the Metropolitan Theatre and was later renamed the Music Hall until 1980. The theater is currently operated as part of the Boch Center and was designated as a Boston Landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission in 1990. Known for its grandiose interior complete with bright red curtains, elaborate wall murals and embellishments, the Wang Theatre offers its guests a luxurious environment to experience various kinds of entertainment. The theater also features the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame, which celebrates folk, Americana and roots music through various events, exhibits and concerts.

The Shubert Theatre

265 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

The Shubert Theatre opened on January 24, 1910, with a production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and became known in the city for hosting a wide variety of Shakespearean works. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Due to its smaller size, the theater is known to be the Boston Theatre District’s “Little Princess.” Some of the stage’s most renowned have appeared on the Shubert stage, including Al Jolson, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud, John Barrymore, Richard Burton, Mary Martin and Julie Andrews. Now part of the Boch Center alongside the Wang Theatre, the Shubert regularly hosts Broadway shows, theater, opera, music and dance events.

Cutler Majestic Theatre

219 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

The Cutler Majestic Theatre opened in 1903 as the second performance venue in Boston’s historic Theatre District. Originally intended to be used for opera, then vaudeville and finally cinema, the space now hosts various types of performances in its ornate auditorium. Emerson College purchased the property in 1983, restoring the theater to its former glory after years of wear and tear had deteriorated the interior. Now, visitors can take in the Cutler Majestic’s grandiose Beaux-Arts interior while they catch a show. The theater is a member of the national League of Historic Theatres and is a Boston Historic Landmark. In 2003 the theater was again renamed the Cutler Majestic Theatre, after donors Ted and Joan Benard-Cutler.

Colonial Theatre

106 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

The Colonial Theatre opened in 1900 and is the oldest continually-operating theater in Boston; now owned by Emerson College. The first performance in the theater was Ben-Hur on Dec. 20, 1900 with a sold-out show that included Winston Churchill in the audience. The theater is the birthplace of some of musical theatre’s most iconic shows: Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun and Follies. Emerson College closed the building in 2015, with plans to make it a dining hall, a decision that was received with immense backlash from the city’s theatre community. After protests and 7,000 signatures on a Change.org petition, the school decided to keep the theater’s doors open, reopening the historic stage in 2018 with the American Repertory Theater’s production of Moulin Rouge! — which would later go to Broadway.

Dining and Accommodations

Situated in the heart of Downtown Boston, Boston’s Theatre District is close to some of the city’s most beloved attractions. The Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden are both beautiful outdoor spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy nature before a show — weather permitting, of course. Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood is a short walk away, its quaint vibe completed by cobblestone streets and picturesque red-brick buildings. With some of Boston’s finest dining establishments and Chinatown being adjacent to the Theatre District, theater-goers don’t need to wander far to find a delicious pre- or post-show meal. Known for its outstanding Italian cuisine, American classics and Asian fusion dishes, Boston is abundant with a multitude of incredible restaurants bound to satisfy any craving.

Where to Eat Near the Boston Theatre District

Guy Fieri’s Boston Kitchen + Bar

A relatively new establishment, Guy Fieri’s Boston Kitchen + Bar opened in December 2021 at 186 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111. Founded by restaurateur, author and Emmy Award-nominated TV show host Guy Fieri, Guy’s is situated in the heart of the Theatre District in front of the city’s most iconic green space, the Boston Common. Offering elevated American-style comfort cuisine in a stylish setting, Guy’s serves Fieri’s iconic Trash Can Nachos, finely crafted burger creations and full bar service. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available.

Shōjō

Shōjō offers modern Asian cuisine and creative cocktails in an avant garde gastropub atmosphere. Located in Chinatown at 9A Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111, the restaurant is just a quick walk away from many of Boston’s theaters. With their take on Asian fusion, visitors can find waffles and chicken wings situated on the menu right next to dumplings and noodle dishes. Every dish’s flavoring can be complemented with a cocktail or beverage off of Shōjō’s extensive drink menu. There are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available.

Yvonne’s 

Built around social dining, Yvonne’s is a modern interpretation of the supper club. Located at 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108, Yvonne’s globally inspired menu weaves in flavors of the Far & Middle East, Mediterranean, Europe and America to create a thoroughly unique and memorable dining experience. Originally opened in 1862, Yvonne’s has been feeding Boston for more than 160 years. There are an assortment of vegetarian and vegan options available.

Where to Stay Near the Boston Theatre District

The Ritz Carlton Hotel

The Ritz Carlton, located at 10 Avery St, Boston, MA 02111, offers its guests a luxurious experience, complete with spectacular views of Boston’s skyline and the historic Boston Common from its stylish rooms and suites. With easy access to Downtown Boston, the Ritz Carlton is in a prime location for anyone wishing to make the most out of their time in the city. Offering visitors elevated residential-like suites, elaborate lounge areas, on-site bars and dining options, the Ritz Carlton is a perfect option for anyone looking for deluxe accommodations during their stay in Boston.

The W Hotel

The W Hotel, located at 100 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116, is a luxury hotel situated in the Theatre District. Less than a 10-minute walk away from many of the area’s most popular theaters, the W’s location makes it one well-suited for theater-goers. Additional features aside from the boutique accommodations include the W Lounge, the Gallery Restaurant and TableMation dining experience. If looking for an upscale stay in Boston, the W is definitely a go-to.

The Godfrey Hotel

The Godfrey Hotel, located at 505 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, is among the newest Boston hotels. With its stylish and chic accommodations, The Godfrey offers its guests a comfortable stay in the heart of Downtown Boston. In addition to its accommodations, The Godfrey has a lobby bar with full service, a partnership with local Peruvian-Japanese restaurant RUKA and is attached to Boston-favorite cafe, George Howell Coffee — among other unique features.