Carnegie Hall FAQs
Is Carnegie Hall open? What do I wear to a concert? When do I clap? Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, and discover how to make the most of your concert experience.
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Is Carnegie Hall open?
Yes, Carnegie Hall is open. View our most up-to-date schedule of events.
What do I need to know about safety for me to attend an event at Carnegie Hall?
The most up-to-date safety guidelines can be found here. This page will be updated as protocols and requirements change.
Where is the Hall located?
Carnegie Hall is located at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue.
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What should I wear to a concert?
Carnegie Hall has no specific dress code—the most important thing is that you are comfortable. Wearing business attire on weeknights or more casual outfits are just the thing.
When do I applaud?
Participating in a rousing ovation at the concert’s end is thrilling, but sharing your excitement between movements of a classical work might distract the artists. If you are unsure about when to applaud, a good rule of thumb is to follow the lead of other audience members.
May I take photos?
Who wouldn’t want to keep a visual memory of a visit to Carnegie Hall? However, please remember that photos can only be taken with handheld devices when the performance isn’t in progress. Photographic, sound, or video recording of any performance without the written permission of Carnegie Hall is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized photographs, video, or other recordings may be deleted at Carnegie Hall’s discretion.
What am I hearing tonight?
A great way to learn about the music you are going to hear begins with a visit to the specific event’s webpage for Carnegie Hall Presents concerts. There you can find a list of the works being performed, program notes about the music, artist biographies, and even audio samples. It’s the best way to get a head start on your Carnegie Hall visit.
What was that encore?
Satisfy your curiosity and find out what was performed at the conclusion of your Carnegie Hall Presents concert by visiting the specific event’s webpage. If there was an encore, it will be listed there within a few days after the concert.
How do I learn about Carnegie Hall history?
Since its opening in 1891, Carnegie Hall has set the international standard for musical excellence, welcoming artists and audiences from around the world. Information from the Hall’s Rose Archives is currently available online, including details about more than 45,000 events.
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Can I take a tour of Carnegie Hall?
Enjoy an insider’s view as knowledgeable and friendly tour guides share more than 130 years of Carnegie Hall history. During the 60–75 minute tour, visitors will see the famous Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage from various points of view, walk through Composers’ Gallery, hear the stories behind many of the famous signed photographs of performers hanging on the walls, and much more.
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May I bring children to an event at Carnegie Hall?
Please use discretion when bringing children to Carnegie Hall events. Adults must accompany children, and all concertgoers—including children and infants—must have a ticket or a confirmed RSVP.
How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
The answer to this question inspired a well-known joke. The punch line is often attributed to violinist Jascha Heifetz or pianist Arthur Rubinstein, sometimes to an anonymous musician or taxi driver, and once even to a beatnik, who, in a 1960 telling, replied “Practice, man, practice.” At some point, the line was given a triple flourish: “Practice, practice, practice.”
Is there a gift shop?
The Carnegie Hall Shop is located off the Blavatnik Family First Tier (second floor) of Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. The Shop is open before concerts and during intermissions in Stern/Perelman. Shop online any time at shop.carnegiehall.org.
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Is there a lost-and-found?
Lost-and-found articles should be reported to or turned in at the Security Office, 161 West 56th Street. To inquire about missing items, call 212-903-9698.