Opened in 1973, the theater was named for Sam Minskoff and Sons, one of New York's distinguished real estate families.

Over 200 craftsmen and artisans worked nearly six months to extensively refurbish the Minskoff Theatre to welcome Disney's The Lion King. Architectural designer Mariuca Brancoveanu has created a dramatic new environment that starts with the terrazzo walkway through the promenade into the theater. The main lobby area features hand-painted, gold-leaf sculpted tableaus that adorn the theater's expansive interior walls and showcase its panoramic views of Broadway.