United Palace
United Palace
4.5
About
United Palace is a transformational organization and venue that fuses culture, spirituality, and entertainment. The fourth largest theater in Manhattan is more than just a unique venue — it is a hub of creative expression and personal growth designed with and for the community.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Washington Heights
How to get there
- 175th St • 3 min walk
- 181st St • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
27 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Paul S
New York City, NY657 contributions
Oct 2022
The United Palace Theater had a series of six movies for the public in 2022 which were a great experiences to attend.
When we watched some older and other newer movies, the theater is a destination in itself one of the five Lowe's Wonder Theaters built in 1930. The other theaters opened in 1929 in Jersey City, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. These theaters are extremely ornate in their lobbies and theaters themselves.
The United Palace is working to save their Wonder Morton organ. Go to restoring the wonder website to find out more. They had a fundraiser recently to restore one portion of the pipes by the NYTOS organization with Nick Myers.
The theater also hosts a variety of other specialty events throughout the year. Jennifer Lopez screened her Netflix documentary and a lot more.
The Miranda Foundation connected with Lin Manuel Miranda have done a lot to make the United Palace a destination in upper Manhattan.
Keep up the excellent programming work my Mike Fitelson, Executive Producer there and so many
When we watched some older and other newer movies, the theater is a destination in itself one of the five Lowe's Wonder Theaters built in 1930. The other theaters opened in 1929 in Jersey City, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. These theaters are extremely ornate in their lobbies and theaters themselves.
The United Palace is working to save their Wonder Morton organ. Go to restoring the wonder website to find out more. They had a fundraiser recently to restore one portion of the pipes by the NYTOS organization with Nick Myers.
The theater also hosts a variety of other specialty events throughout the year. Jennifer Lopez screened her Netflix documentary and a lot more.
The Miranda Foundation connected with Lin Manuel Miranda have done a lot to make the United Palace a destination in upper Manhattan.
Keep up the excellent programming work my Mike Fitelson, Executive Producer there and so many
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
notpracticing
New York City, NY179 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
A spectacular place with a very interesting history, in neat part of Manhattan. They have many cultural events here, and occasionally show well-chosen movies on what I think is the best-quality screen in New York.
BUT--be warned that if you attend a movie here you will be subjected to airport-level security on the way in. That level of security seems pretty absurd for movie-watching, and I have never encountered such a thing at any other similar venue. I don't know if that is true for other events at the United Palace.
On my most recent visit I was told I could not enter because of the small Swiss-army-style knife I use as a keychain. I did some math and determined the knife was worth less than the ticket that I had already bought in advance (a mistake). So I gave up the knife. The very nice security lady assured me she would be there after the show and give me the knife back. Maybe she was, but I never saw her. So the knife is lost.
My lesson was that if I go to future events at the United Palace I will hesitate to buy an advance ticket, knowing that I might not be able to enter after making the long trip there. In the alternative, be very careful about what's in your pocket or you will have to make the choice whether to lose your ticket or lose your stuff.
BUT--be warned that if you attend a movie here you will be subjected to airport-level security on the way in. That level of security seems pretty absurd for movie-watching, and I have never encountered such a thing at any other similar venue. I don't know if that is true for other events at the United Palace.
On my most recent visit I was told I could not enter because of the small Swiss-army-style knife I use as a keychain. I did some math and determined the knife was worth less than the ticket that I had already bought in advance (a mistake). So I gave up the knife. The very nice security lady assured me she would be there after the show and give me the knife back. Maybe she was, but I never saw her. So the knife is lost.
My lesson was that if I go to future events at the United Palace I will hesitate to buy an advance ticket, knowing that I might not be able to enter after making the long trip there. In the alternative, be very careful about what's in your pocket or you will have to make the choice whether to lose your ticket or lose your stuff.
Written 30 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We apologize for the inconvenience. Our security is in place for all events to ensure every guest's safety and comfort. We hope that you enjoyed your United Palace experience otherwise!
Written 23 May 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alejandro A
Allendale, NJ6 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Just went to the Todo Tiene Su Hora Tour concert of Juan Luis Guerra and the acoustic in the theater had been the worst ever in any concert that I have attended. I was seated in the Balcony and was very difficult to hear Juan Luis and understand what he was singing and even worse when he was talking to the public. I have been at least in 5 Juan Luis Guerra's concert and due to the back sound and acoustic this concert fell way below the High standards that has followed Juan Luis on his career.
Written 17 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bfk nyc
New York City, NY384 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
I adore the United Palace. I must! It's a landmark in my neighborhood: Washington Heights.
I've passed by it thousands of times, and finally had the wherewithal to figure out to go to there website and get on the mailing list. Which I suggest you do.
The place is a non-denominational spiritual center. BUT it is also a venue for live performances, and one-time showings of classic movies in a movie palace! It also has infrequent tours of marvelous edifice. But that's why you have to get on the mailing list. Because you never when they are going to happen!
If you live somewhere in New York City, I suggest you do this. If you don't, but planing a visit, it couldn't hurt!
I've passed by it thousands of times, and finally had the wherewithal to figure out to go to there website and get on the mailing list. Which I suggest you do.
The place is a non-denominational spiritual center. BUT it is also a venue for live performances, and one-time showings of classic movies in a movie palace! It also has infrequent tours of marvelous edifice. But that's why you have to get on the mailing list. Because you never when they are going to happen!
If you live somewhere in New York City, I suggest you do this. If you don't, but planing a visit, it couldn't hurt!
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your generous review, neighbor! We're glad you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you soon!
Written 3 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
farfenoodle
New Hope, PA43 contributions
Sept 2018
Went to see Lenny Kravitz end of September. Such a unique place - so ornate and beautiful. Acoustics were fantastic and the seats were comfortable (though we didn't really sit too much). A lot of people mobbed the aisle and were pushing to the stage, which I did not like as I was sitting on the aisle. Within a song, I was spilled on, stepped on and basically crushed into my row. It took a little longer than I expected (like 5 songs) but the staff did eventually come in and move people. I would see another concert/show there if it should come up again.
Written 1 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback! We apologize for the rowdy crowd, but we are happy that it didn't sour your Palace experience. We are working to make sure that our ushers and security are doing everything in their power to manage the audience. Your feedback helps to expedite that process. Come again soon!
Written 30 January 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mdgrl79
Phoenix, AZ432 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We visited United Palace to attend the first-ever NYC performance by Alphaville, a German synth-pop band dating back to the 1980s. Upon entering the venue and finding our seats in the back of the orchestra, we asked an usher if we could walk around the inside of the theater area to get a better view of the ceiling and balcony area. The usher was very kind and let us do so. It was amazing to see all of the ornate detail! Of course, this ornate detail also flows through into the lobby area as well as the staircase that leads up to the bathrooms and balcony entrance. Simply stepping foot in this building is a surreal and incredible experience! If we did not know we were in NYC, United Palace, on the inside, provided the illusion that we were in the middle of Europe. That being said, it really was the perfect setting for a German band to perform live in NYC for the very first time! The show was fantastic, and even being in the back of the orchestra, we still felt that our seats were great. The sound level was just right for a venue of this size (about 3,200 seats). If I had to pick out a "negative" about this venue, it would be the location. I realize that is something that cannot be changed. United Palace is located way uptown in Washington Heights. This is not an area I would personally spend much time in at night - it is best to walk on Broadway and avoid the cross streets. As with any big city, you just need to be aware of your surroundings! If you're driving into the city as we did for the Alphaville concert, there are a few parking garages within about a half mile of the venue.
Written 7 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
powercafe
New York6 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
You must go to United Palace House of Inspiration Sunday Service at Noon. It was unbelievable! There were Broadway singers and musicians! Friendly congregation. Perfect place for tourists to visit!
Written 30 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Opo H
Norwalk, CT135 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
the theater is kind of unique, the combination of colors plus the architecture is lovely.
the restrooms (men) are not adequate for the amount of people they can hold there (at least 2000 bodies singing and having fun), only two sinks to wash your hands... (takes forever).
the space looks clean but the seats are very dirty (don't wear white pants).
The architecture is gorgeous!!!
the restrooms (men) are not adequate for the amount of people they can hold there (at least 2000 bodies singing and having fun), only two sinks to wash your hands... (takes forever).
the space looks clean but the seats are very dirty (don't wear white pants).
The architecture is gorgeous!!!
Written 24 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary L
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
It was very nice! Clean facility and bathrooms.
I had to park 7 blocks up since it was a busy part of the evening.
I had to park 7 blocks up since it was a busy part of the evening.
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bob375
New York City, NY88 contributions
Jun 2019
Went there for an Alabina concert. The venue if beautiful, the knee room in the seats is spectacularly generous, and the staff is very nice. However the sound system sounded like if twas from the 1960's - absolutely horrible. And the guy who's job it was to keep the spotlight on the star must have been sleeping half the time, as he did an absolutely terrible job keeping the spotlight on her. Also parking in the neighborhood is near to impossible - we finally found a parking spot after driving around for about 45 minutes, luckily 2 blocks from the theater.
Written 17 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback! Believe it or not, our sound system is fairly new. But unfortunately when we rent out the equipment we let the artist's team manage the sound mixes. We'll pass along your note to our tech department. Hopefully your next visit will sound better!
Written 18 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Will my car be vandalized while I attend a concert?
Written 27 February 2019
I wouldn't worry about that, but good luck finding parking. If attending a concert, I would suggest arriving at least 30 mins early to canvas the area for parking spots. They are hard to come by.
Written 28 February 2019
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