Carnegie Hall

Overview

Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious concert venues in the world, a Renaissance Revival masterpiece on Seventh Avenue and 57th Street that has hosted nearly every major classical, jazz, and popular music performer since opening in 1891.

Highlights

• The Acoustics: The Isaac Stern Auditorium's acoustics are legendary — a warm, rich sound that makes Carnegie Hall the benchmark against which all other concert halls are measured.
• The Architecture: The exterior combines Roman brick and terra-cotta in an elegant Italian Renaissance style. The interiors feature ornate white and gold plasterwork.
• The History: Tchaikovsky conducted the opening-night concert in 1891. Since then, virtually every major musician — from Dvořák to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma — has performed here.

History

Built by Andrew Carnegie in 1891 and designed by William Burnet Tuthill, the hall narrowly escaped demolition in 1960 when violinist Isaac Stern led a campaign to save it. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.

Visitor Tips

• Tours: One-hour guided tours are offered most days for about $20, covering the main auditorium and backstage areas.
• Rush Tickets: Partial-view and rush tickets are often available at reduced prices for day-of performances.
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours for a concert; 1 hour for a tour.