The Public Theater (former Astor Library)

The Public Theater, housed in the historic former Astor Library building at 425 Lafayette Street, was founded by Joseph Papp and is a major center for new play and musical development in New York City. The institution produces Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre and has premiered influential works and commercial transfers, including the 2015 Off-Broadway premiere of Hamilton. The Public Theater also operates multiple downtown performance spaces and longstanding community and educational programs supporting emerging artists.