Broadway, located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, is synonymous with American

theatrical activity and is home to 41 professional theatres, each with 500 or more
seats. The term "Broadway" became generic for American theater by 1880.

Broadway's history traces back to the early colonial days of the Dutch and the
Native Americans before them. From its humble beginnings in downtown New York City
in the early nineteenth century, to its heyday as the Great White Way in the mid-
twentieth century, Broadway has lured both aspiring actors and starstruck
theatergoers for well over a century.

The district is internationally recognized as a major tourist attraction in New

York City. It's closely identified with Times Square and only three of the theaters
are located on Broadway itself, namely the Broadway Theatre, the Palace Theatre,
and the Winter Garden Theatre.

Most Broadway shows are musicals and have had a profound influence on shaping
Midtown Manhattan and Times Square. The Museum of Broadway on West 45th Street,
opened to the public in November 2022, became the first museum to document the
history and experience of Broadway theatre..