The Shed guide: Everything you need to know about the Hudson Yards performance space

Discover restaurants and attractions near the cutting-edge, versatile performance venue that hosts shows, art exhibits, concerts, and more cultural events.

If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art theatrical experience, look no further than The Shed, a cultural center at Hudson Yards that opened its dazzling glass doors in 2019. The Off-Broadway venue commissions exciting original works across all artistic disciplines, from theatre to music to visual art and more.

Surrounded by the sleek Hudson Yards complex, the High Line park, and the Chelsea art gallery district, The Shed is nestled within a bustling block of shopping, restaurants, and social spaces. Set several avenues west of where most visitors would see theatre on Broadway, The Shed offers a more unique experience on your trip. Explore a new area of the city whether you're a local or visitor!

Learn more about The Shed’s history, nearby attractions and eateries, and history of shows so you know what to expect, and get tickets to see upcoming shows and events there.

Get tickets to shows at The Shed now.

Why you should visit The Shed in New York

With a brilliant glass exterior encased in a sculpted geometric facade, The Shed’s ultramodern design aptly reflects the emerging artistry presented inside. In addition to being a beautiful sight to behold, the structure is highly innovative. The building houses the 500-seat Griffin Theater and two levels of exhibition space, together offering plenty of cultural events and exhibits to explore. It also features a retractable shell that, when expanded, creates an additional space for large-scale performances called the McCourt. Patrons of The Shed are surrounded by new, cutting-edge design from the moment they arrive on the block to the moment they find their seat for a show.

The Shed is also not far from the waterfront, which boasts beautiful views of Hoboken and Jersey City across the Hudson River.

The history of The Shed

History is just beginning at The Shed, which first opened its doors on April 5, 2019. Construction began just four years prior in 2015, and the architecture of the cultural center has earned wide praise for its innovation, which aims to support a wide range of artistic endeavors, including museum installments in the exhibition spaces, live performances in the main 500-seat theatre, and expanded events in the McCourt. Often, artistic genres overlap at The Shed — a show, for example, might be coupled with an art exhibition, a concert, or an interactive experience.

Famous events at The Shed

Though The Shed may be new to town, it’s already presented some of this decade’s most memorable — and star-studded — productions.

• The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe: Cecily Strong re-opened the venue in 2021.
• Straight Line Crazy: Ralph Fiennes starred in David Hare’s acclaimed play about New York city planner Robert Moses in 2022.
• Here We Are: Stephen Sondheim’s final musical debuted at the venue in 2023 with a starry cast including David Hyde Pierce, Bobby Cannavale, Amber Gray, Rachel Bay Jones, and more.
• Norma Jeane Baker of Troy: Renée Fleming and Ben Whishaw starred in Anne Carson’s spoken and sung work that melds the legends of the mythical Helen and misunderstood Marilyn Monroe.
• King Lear: The Shed's fall 2024 production features Kenneth Branagh co-directing and starring in Shakespeare’s titanic tragedy.

Fun things to do in Hudson Yards before a show at The Shed

Whether you’re an outdoors explorer or someone who’d rather peruse shops and other indoor spaces, there’s no shortage of opportunity for excursions around The Shed. Here are some in the Hudson Yards complex and the surrounding area

The Vessel

Get a close-up look at this 16-story tall design structure and visitor attraction shaped like a honeycomb. It's the centerpiece of Hudson Yards.

The Shops at Hudson Yards

Shop at fashion favorites like Zara and Madewell, luxury retailers like Dior and Cartier, and much more. There are also bites to eat throughout the indoor shopping mall, including Magnolia Bakery, home of New York’s favorite banana pudding.

The Edge

Seek new heights at this all-glass observation deck offering breathtaking views of New York City all the way down to your toes (yes, the floor is see-through down to the ground dozens of stories below!). The Edge is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western hemisphere, giving you a unique opportunity to step into the clouds.

High Line

This elevated greenway park is situated on a former railroad. Extending from 34th Street all the way down to Gansevoort Street, you can experience 360-degree views of the West Side’s most beautiful buildings, from futuristic glass skyscrapers to historic brownstones. The stretch offers plenty of planted flowers and trees, as well as art installations, cultural attractions, and even food trucks to grab a snack before the show.

Hudson River Park

This park runs along the namesake river for miles, and there's an entrance across the street from Hudson Yards. Take a stroll and enjoy the picturesque views!

Where to eat and drink before a show at The Shed

Manhattan’s West Side holds some of the borough’s best dining, from trendy, picture-worthy spots to historic hits and local favorites. Hudson Yards has dozens of bars and restaurants of all cuisines and price points within a short walk, so you can easily find what best fits your tastes and budget or challenge yourself to find a hidden gem. We recommend these restaurants in the area:

Cedric's at the Shed

This modern American eatery, located right within The Shed, offers craft cocktails and light bites.

Russ & Daughters

A New York staple, this family-owned Jewish deli offers hand-sliced smoked fish, caviar, babka, bagels, and more at 50 Hudson Yards.

Mercado Little Spain

The sprawling Spanish food market at 10 Hudson Yards offers fast casual options and finer sit-down experiences.

Daily Provisions

Enjoy New York-style breakfast (think: bacon, egg, and cheese bagels and other baked goods), lunch options, and more classics from morning to night at 440 W. 33rd St.

El Pollo Verde

Get fast-casual Mediterranean food at 95 Manhattan West Plaza with a menu designed by a three-Michelin star chef.

Katsuya

Traditional Japanese dining meets California cuisine in a fine, contemporary setting at 398 10th Avenue.

Chez Zou

This lounge has craft cocktails in an atmospheric setting above the restaurant Zou Zou’s at 385 Ninth Ave.

Get tickets to The Shed shows

No matter what may be in the works at The Shed, you’re bound to see a performance through new eyes in this modern space, giving you an experience unlike any other.

Get tickets to shows at The Shed now.

Photo credit: Here We Are at The Shed. (Photo by Emilio Madrid)