It was hard to imagine that Broadway would ever come back in 2020. Up to 87,000 jobs in New York City were destroyed overnight after the pandemic compelled all 41 Broadway theatres to dim their lights. The theatre industry, which depends on patrons seeing performances live and in person, went from being a mainstay of New York City's tourism sector to become a huge question mark in short order.

Broadway is still navigating the effects of the pandemic, but the business is still showing signs of rebirth. This year, Times Square foot traffic was reported to be more than 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and theatre attendance during the first 16 weeks of the 2022–23 season averaged 86 percent, primarily from out-of-town visitors. Broadway's rebirth is an accomplishment worth celebrating, even if it isn't entirely on track to reach the record-breaking $1.829 billion in income it provided to New York City in the 2018–19 season.

Another reason to rejoice? The Museum of Broadway, the first permanent museum in the country devoted to the plays, performers, and technical aspects of American theatre, has opened its doors in New York City.

Similar to the performances it honours in its exhibitions, the pandemic posed difficulties for the museum's opening schedule because of labor shortages and supply chain problems. After five years of construction, the museum was finally able to open in November as planned, which was long overdue for the multi-billion dollar business that has contributed more money to New York City than all of the professional sports teams from New York and New Jersey put together.

Visitors are welcomed by chronological walls that include hundreds of iconic photos of Broadway productions and stars as soon as they enter the new location, which is situated in—where else?—New York City's Theater District. Set designers with a reputation for innovation showcase their pre-production thought processes in the original concept designs for popular programs like "Dreamgirls" and "Hadestown."

In a collection spanning years of performances, from the very first Theater District productions in New York City in the 18th century to contemporary smash hits like "Hamilton," beloved sets, costumes, and props additionally, the museum offers a temporary exhibition room titled "The American Theatre as seen by Hirschfeld" dedicated to Al Hirschfeld's artwork for individuals who are constantly considering the next addition to their Playbill collection. There will be 25 of the artist's most famous black ink sketches and prints on view; these are the same images that inspired innumerable Playbills and Broadway posters during the 20th century.

Timed admission to the museum costs $39, with a portion of the proceeds going to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, one of the most well-known humanitarian organisations in the sector. The museum will surely be a welcoming retreat for those who think the show must always go on because it is one of the most anticipated museum openings this year.