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The National Theatre

About this venue

The National Theatre is a theater at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC.

Venue photograph at The National Theatre in Washington, DC
Photo details
Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped for layout.Photo source (opens in a new tab)License (opens in a new tab)
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Event-day answers for The National Theatre

FanProof verdictDoors open 60 minutes before the performance; the venue recommends arriving at least 30 minutes ahead. Save the mobile ticket to your phone’s wallet before arriving. Latecomers wait for the designated seating break.

Proofed Oct 17, 20265 official sourcesHow we check

What do you need to know?

Getting inBag rules, screening and your event

Bags & entry

Unless otherwise noted, the use of video cameras, audio recording devices, and phones and/or digital cameras in video mode is strictly prohibited in The National Theatre. The use of any of these items will result in confiscation and possible ejection from the facility. All patrons must present a ticket for entry to all ticketed performances. It is the policy of most shows that children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.

Events, tickets & arrival timeline

Your event day

Travel time
  1. 12:45 PM
    Leave30 minutes to get there, then into the gates by your arrival time.
  2. 1:15 PMArrivePlanning estimate: 45 minutes before start. Check your ticket for doors and check-in times.
  3. 2:00 PMStartListed start time. Doors usually open earlier; check your ticket.
  4. AfterGetting homeCheck your ride or last train home

Times are in the venue's local time.

Venue details
Venue typeTheater
CapacityNot publishedCheck the layout and available seating for your event.
Upcoming Shows

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Plan a visit
Check official venue information ↗
Getting thereArrival timing, parking, transit and getting home
Localtime

When to arrive

Doors open 60 minutes before the performance; the venue recommends arriving at least 30 minutes ahead. Save the mobile ticket to your phone’s wallet before arriving. Latecomers wait for the designated seating break.

Transit & the journey home

The owner identifies Metro Center and Federal Triangle as the closest Metro stations. Walk to 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and check the current transit trip planner. A public elevator to the right of the main entrance serves all levels.

Confirm return service and last departures for your event’s finish time.

Sources & review

Parking

Parking options (opens in a new tab)

Parking At A Glance

Parking difficulty

Nearby downtown garages; advance availability check recommended

What to do
The venue links nearby garages through its official ParkWhiz booking partner. Check space availability, the booked garage address and operating hours before driving; the theater does not guarantee unreserved availability.
Best option
Use Buy Parking on the official Directions & Parking page to compare nearby garages and reserve for your actual performance time.
Avoid
The theater has no onsite motorcoach parking. A passenger drop-off is not permission to leave a coach at the venue; the owner points coach operators to Union Station parking information.

Location

1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Open directions (opens in a new tab)
Seats & viewsSeat charts · Event layouts vary

Seats & views

Accessibility

The owner identifies Metro Center and Federal Triangle as the closest Metro stations. Walk to 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and check the current transit trip planner. A public elevator to the right of the main entrance serves all levels.

Find your section

Seating maps & views

Match the layout to your event before choosing seats. Stage position, floor seating, standing areas, and available sections can change.

Find photos of the view

Search seat-view photos for The National Theatre in Washington. Match the venue, section, and event before comparing views.

Search seat-view photos (opens in a new tab)
Theatre · eight seating zones across orchestra, mezzanine and balcony
Seating & atmosphere notes

Inside the Venue At A Glance

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Access and ticket help

The National Theatre offers assisted listening devices, audio described performances, and open captioned/ASL performances. The venue is wheelchair accessible and is equipped with one elevator. For more information about accessibility needs and ticketing, please visit: BroadwayAtTheNational.com/Accessibility Cash, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Inside the venuePayment, water and the atmosphere

The experience

  • Best for: Touring Broadway and performances with orchestra, mezzanine or balcony chosen using the official eight-zone chart. For wheelchair locations or a limited bariatric chair, contact the venue when ordering tickets.
  • Watch out for: Large bags and backpacks are prohibited, belongings may be inspected, and there is no coat check. Outside food/drink and photography or recording inside the auditorium are prohibited; check the actual performance instructions.
Sources & review

Event details to verify

  • ×Unless otherwise noted, the use of video cameras, audio recording devices, and phones and/or digital cameras in video mode is strictly prohibited in The National Theatre. The use of any of these items will result in confiscation and possible ejection from the facility.
  • ×All patrons must present a ticket for entry to all ticketed performances. It is the policy of most shows that children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.
  • ×Cash, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
More theater guides

Your visit checklist Save, copy or print

Get ready for The National Theatre

1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington, DC

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Visit preparation checklist

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Official venue event information (opens in a new tab)
Destination
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington, DC.
When to arrive
Doors open 60 minutes before the performance; the venue recommends arriving at least 30 minutes ahead. Save the mobile ticket to your phone’s wallet before arriving. Latecomers wait for the designated seating break.
Transit
The owner identifies Metro Center and Federal Triangle as the closest Metro stations. Walk to 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and check the current transit trip planner. A public elevator to the right of the main entrance serves all levels.
Parking
The venue links nearby garages through its official ParkWhiz booking partner. Check space availability, the booked garage address and operating hours before driving; the theater does not guarantee unreserved availability.
Directions to this venue (opens in a new tab)Official parking / arrival information (opens in a new tab)

The owner identifies Metro Center and Federal Triangle as the closest Metro stations. Walk to 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and check the current transit trip planner. A public elevator to the right of the main entrance serves all levels.

Still to check

  • Confirm your event’s accessible seating and complete step-free route with the venue; the guidance above may cover only part of your visit.
Official National Theatre eight-zone seating overview (opens in a new tab)Official National Theatre doors, mobile tickets and bag guidance (opens in a new tab)Official National Theatre directions and parking (opens in a new tab)Official National Theatre accessible seating and elevator (opens in a new tab)Current venue record for The National Theatre (opens in a new tab)Seat maps (opens in a new tab)

This guide does not yet establish The National Theatre’s payment methods or water-bottle rules. Check the official visitor information before leaving.

Official National Theatre doors, mobile tickets and bag guidance (opens in a new tab)

The owner identifies Metro Center and Federal Triangle as the closest Metro stations. Walk to 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and check the current transit trip planner. A public elevator to the right of the main entrance serves all levels. Confirm return service and last departures for your event’s finish time.

Plan your route home from this venue (opens in a new tab)

Checking an item records your preparation. It does not confirm a ticket, reserve a seat or guarantee admission. Saved plans do not sync between devices.