Dedicated in 1942 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College began its notable history as The Playhouse at Hunter College. At that time, concerts were presented under the auspices of the Hunter College Concert Bureau and many of the world's most famous artists performed at The Playhouse until the Concert Bureau closed its doors in 1975.
In 1993, the Playhouse was renovated and reopened as The Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College. Since its rededication, The Kaye has presented over 1,800 performances of some of the world's most renowned artists and has entered the 21st century as one of New York City's leading performing arts institutions, as well as serving as the centerpiece for the performing arts at Hunter College.