Broadway (Manhattan)

History

Broadway is one of the oldest north-south main thoroughfares in New York City, dating back to the first New Amsterdam settlement. The name Broadway is the English translation of the Dutch name, "Breede weg". In the 18th century, Broadway ended at the town commons on Chambers Street, but as the city expanded northward, so did Broadway.

Route

Broadway runs the length of Manhattan Island, from Bowling Green at the south, to Inwood at the northern tip of the island. South of Columbus Circle, it is a one-way southbound street. Since 2009, vehicular traffic has been banned at Times Square between 47th and 42nd Streets as part of a pedestrian improvement initiative.

Landmarks

Broadway boasts numerous landmarks, including Times Square, which is the hub of the Broadway Theater District. Other notable landmarks include Columbia University, located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, and the Lincoln Center, home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic.

A bustling street scene on Broadway, with tall buildings on either side, pedestrians on sidewalks, and vehicles on the road.

Broadway Theater

Broadway is perhaps best known for the portion that runs through the center of the theater district, also known as "The Great White Way". This area is home to many of the city's major theaters and is a major center for the entertainment industry, hosting a constantly changing roster of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.

Architecture

Broadway is home to some of the finest examples of American architecture. Notable buildings include the Flatiron Building at Madison Square, the Woolworth Building downtown, and the entire Columbia University campus.

Transportation

Broadway is served by numerous subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, and W trains. Several bus routes also run along or intersect with Broadway, including the M4, M7, M20, M55, and M104 buses.

In Popular Culture

Broadway has been featured in countless works of literature, film, and music, often as a symbol of ambition, success, and the American Dream. It is frequently depicted in popular culture as a bustling, vibrant street, filled with theaters, restaurants, and shops.