Carnegie Hall Corporation — a nonprofit organization — manages and operates Carnegie Hall today, but the legal owner of the building is City of New York.
🔹 Carnegie Hall Historical background
- The hall was built and completely financed by Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919), a steel magnate and philanthropist.
- It opened in May 1891 as “Music Hall,” before it was renamed Carnegie Hall in honor of its benefactor.
- Carnegie — or his family — retained ownership of the hall until 1925.
🔹 Changes of ownership
- In 1925, the hall was sold to real-estate magnate Robert E. Simon.
- Upon Simon’s death in 1935, ownership passed to his son, Robert E. Simon, Jr..
- In the 1950s, with rising maintenance costs and declining profitability, plan emerged to demolish the hall — threatening its survival.
🔹 Transition to public ownership and nonprofit stewardship
- In response to efforts to save Carnegie Hall, the state passed legislation (the “Carnegie Hall Bill”) that allowed a city to acquire a historic property. Under that law, the City of New York purchased Carnegie Hall in 1960.
- Since then, the Carnegie Hall Corporation, a nonprofit, has leased and operated the building.
🔹 Current arrangement
As of the latest available information:
- The City of New York is the legal owner of Carnegie Hall.
- The Carnegie Hall Corporation, a nonprofit, handles management, programming, and operations. (
- The organization’s leadership includes Clive Gillinson as Executive/Artistic Director and Robert F. Smith as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Overall, Carnegie Hall remains a public asset owned by the City of New York — but its day-to-day operation and cultural mission are entrusted to a dedicated nonprofit organization that continues the legacy started by Andrew Carnegie more than a century ago.
FAQ
What is Carnegie Hall?
Carnegie Hall is a world-famous concert venue located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, known for hosting classical, jazz, and popular music performances.
Where is Carnegie Hall located?
It is located at 881 Seventh Avenue, near West 57th Street in Manhattan, New York City.
When was Carnegie Hall built?
Carnegie Hall opened on May 5, 1891, and was funded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
What is Carnegie Hall best known for?
It is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious music venues in the world, recognized for its exceptional acoustics and historic performances.
Who performs at Carnegie Hall?
The hall hosts a wide range of artists, including classical orchestras, solo musicians, jazz legends, and contemporary performers.
Is Carnegie Hall a nonprofit?
Yes. It is operated by the Carnegie Hall Corporation, a nonprofit organization, while the City of New York owns the building.
How many performance spaces are inside Carnegie Hall?
Carnegie Hall has three main performance spaces:
- Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage (main hall)
- Zankel Hall
- Weill Recital Hall
Why is Carnegie Hall historically important?
It has been the site of landmark performances by artists such as Tchaikovsky, Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, and countless world-renowned musicians.
Can the public tour Carnegie Hall?
Yes. Guided tours are available, offering access to historic areas and behind-the-scenes spaces.
Is Carnegie Hall still active today?
Yes. It remains an active, globally respected performance venue hosting hundreds of concerts and events each year.
