“We don’t really know what it is for, is it for the theater?” said Jan Heiremans, 38, who was in town from Brussels for a business meeting. “But it has a much nicer view than from the ground.”

He paused, and then asked, “You have to write a whole article about this?”

Around the corner, long lines stretched from the TKTS ticket windows, which are built in the space beneath the stairs’ peak and which replaced makeshift booths erected in 1999. There are more ticket windows than before and, to the delight of many of the customers, credit cards are now accepted for payment.

The changes did not please everyone. “It just adds more congestion and lines,” said Scott Russell, 41, who lives at Park Avenue and 64th Street and was planning to see a matinee performance of “Gypsy” with friends. “And TKTS should be congestion-free.”

Yet Anthony Bugett, a security guard who has worked in Duffy Square for several years, said the crowds at the new booths were less restive than before. The lines were more orderly and moved faster, he said, and the new electronic displays allayed confusion over what tickets were available.

“Everyone is more relaxed,” said Mr. Bugett, who is 23 and lives in Woodside, Queens. Mr. Bugett had worked the previous evening, too, and he said every space on the stairs, which are lighted at night and glow, was filled.

“I’m just worried if it rains,” he said. “Because the material is slippery when wet.”

Even people unable to climb the steps seemed to adore them — like Norman Robbins, who is 86, recovering from an automobile accident and, for the time being, walking with a cane.

Mr. Robbins and his wife, B. J., who is 75, spent part of Sunday afternoon sitting on a granite bench at the foot of the new red stairs. They live on Long Island and were in town for a matinee performance of “Equus.” Usually, they pass the time before matinees in a hotel lobby, but on Sunday they were delighted by the city’s newest outdoor spot.

“This is much nicer; it makes you feel more a part of the city,” Mrs. Robbins said.

She tilted her head toward the stairs. “Once he’s recovered,” she said, “we’ll be up there.”