Carnegie Hall

How early can group tours be booked?

You may place your request for a booked tour up to four months in advance. These requests, however, cannot be confirmed until approximately four weeks prior to the desired tour date, pending staff and/or Hall availability.

When are tours offered?

Virtual tours can be scheduled Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 6 PM (Eastern). Programs may be scheduled outside these times, pending staff availability.

In-person tours are generally offered Monday through Saturday from October through July. Generally, we are not able to begin a tour before 10 AM or start a tour after 4 PM.

How much do tours cost?

Virtual tour rates are as follows:

Schools
Up to 100 participants $250
Up to 200 participants $375
Up to 290 participant $475

Nonprofits / Families
Up to 100 participants $315
Up to 200 participants $490
Up to 290 participant $635

Corporations
Up to 100 participants $625
Up to 200 participants $900
Up to 290 participant $1,100

In-person group tour tickets for adults are $18; tickets for seniors (62 and older) and students are $15.

For an in-person group tour, how many guests can you accommodate at one time?

Carnegie Hall was built in 1891, and is a national landmark and historical preservation site. For this reason, the building has limited elevator access and can only accommodate 120 tour guests at one time. Groups that include more than 120 people should be divided accordingly, with arrivals staggered by 45–60 minutes. Once a group is admitted into the main lobby, it is split into smaller subgroups of 20 with a tour guide appointed to each. Tour operators, leaders, and escorts are encouraged to divide their large groups into subgroups before arriving at the Hall.

Can we take an in-person tour in different languages?

Our ability to give tours in different languages varies from year to year, but we always try to accommodate specific needs. We are also happy to work with a translator provided by the tour operator. Please note, however, that one translator is needed for every 20 people. Any language and/or translation requests should be made at the time of booking.

Is the in-person tour accessible for guests with physical disabilities?

The Carnegie Hall tour is fully accessible by elevator. If you have any requirements regarding guests with mobility needs, please let us know when making your tour request. Wheelchairs and complimentary assistive listening devices (ALDs) and induction neckloops are available for the tour. You can learn more about the accessible services that we provide on our website.

How long is the tour?

Virtual tours are approximately 45 minutes in length via Zoom.

In-person tours are 60 minutes in duration, depending on congestion and/or questions raised during the tour. All tours begin in the main lobby of Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue and end in the Rose Museum on the second floor.

What do you see on the tour?

On a virtual tour, we uncover Carnegie Hall secrets, answer fun trivia questions, and virtually walk through parts of the building we do not usually show the public. This includes visiting several backstage and onstage areas.

During an in-person tour, our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides share 130 years of Carnegie Hall history, walking guests through the landmark building. Visitors will see the famous Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage from various points of view, walk through the Composers’ Gallery, hear the stories behind many of the famous signed photographs of performers hanging on the walls, and visit the Rose Museum with more than 400 Carnegie Hall artifacts. Tours end in the museum, adjacent to the Carnegie Hall Shop.

Can we take photographs or video on an in-person tour?

Sound or video recording inside Carnegie Hall is strictly prohibited. Still photography is allowed anywhere along the tour route without restriction except inside Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Photography may be permitted inside Stern/Perelman, but cannot be confirmed until the day of the tour. As necessary, the docent will provide further instruction.

Is there a bag, coat, or stroller check when taking an in-person tour?

There is no bag, coat, or stroller check available during normal tour hours at Carnegie Hall. Roller bags, large suitcases, and/or bulky backpacks are not permitted inside Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage on tours. These items must be stored at an offsite location.

What is the youngest age that can be accommodated on a tour?

Our tours are most appropriate for school groups with students age 8 and older.

Can a group request a specific tour guide?

Please make any specific requests at the time of the booking.

Can we go backstage, onstage, or perform in the Hall during our group tour?

Virtual tours will show guests several backstage and onstage areas of the Hall.

For an in-person tour, the stage and backstage areas of Carnegie Hall are only available to scheduled performers. For performance inquiries, please contact our Booking office.

Can we bring food or drink with us on our group tour?

Please note that food and beverages are not permitted inside the Hall’s auditorium. If you are interested in a tour and meal package, please let us know at the time of your booking, and we will be happy to provide you with information from our exclusive caterer, Constellation Culinary Events.

Where can we park our tour bus?

For groups traveling by bus or motor coach, drop-off and pick-up locations are on the east side of Seventh Avenue between 57th and 58th streets. Please note that buses are not allowed to park in these areas for the duration of an event, and Carnegie Hall is unable to obtain parking permits. Buses are allowed to wait for 20 minutes in zones marked “No Parking,” “No Standing,” or “No Standing Except Truck Loading and Unloading.” Bus drivers may not leave their vehicle during any drop-off or pick-up.

When do I pay for the tour?

Once a tour is confirmed, payment is requested one week in advance of the tour date, preferably by credit card.

What if I need to cancel my tour?

There is a seven day cancellation policy.

How do I get more information?

carnegiehall.org/tours
tours@carnegiehall.org
Tour Hotline: 212-903-9765