Address
881 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Phone Number
(212) 247 - 7800
Date Visited
10/19/2018
Website
Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium
Description
Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium is located on 57th Street, close to 7th Avenue in NYC. Parking must be found in nearby garages. The main entrance consists of three sets of double doors. The entrance closest to 7th Avenue is at street level. The middle entrance has one step. The left entrance has two steps.The lobby is spacious. There is a flight of stairs to get to the auditorium itself. An east and west elevator get patrons to all levels except the balcony. The east elevator accesses the parquet, first and second tiers, and dress circle. The west elevator runs express to the dress circle. Both elevators are discontinued once the performance begins. Several benches are tucked into the areas near the elevators.
"Patrons who need extra time may arrive up to one hour before the start of a concert. Upon arrival, ticket holders will be temporarily accommodated in the cafe or Rose Museum." (website) "Lobby to Seat Service" is available. Check Carnegie Hall's website for details.
The parquet level has wide aisles and a slight incline to seats. The upper levels require steps to get to one's seat. One step is required to get to box seats. "Limited wheelchair and companion seating is available" Call (212) 247 - 7800 for assistance.
Multi-stall restrooms, are located on all levels except the balcony, Handicapped-accessible restrooms are located on the Parquet Level. If interested in the cafe, check the website for details.
- Doors: 3 sets of double doors
Number of floors: 7
Elevators: 2 - to all levels except balcony
Ramps: to orchestra seats
Steps and staircases: to all levels
Width of aisles: quite wide in orchestra level
Places to sit: several benches in lobby and near elevators
Location of restrooms: ***
Type of restroom: multi-stall and handicapped accessible
Ease of entry and exit: OK
Baby changing station: no
Available food services: cafe
Friendliness of staff: very pleasant and helpful
Notes: * Check website for nearby garages. ** Three sets of double doors at entrance. Entrance to closest to 7th Ave. has no steps. Middle entrance has one step. Entrance to left has two steps. *** Multi-stall, restrooms are located on all levels except balcony. Handicapped restroom is located on Parquet Level.
Carnegie Hall, built in 1849, is “…one of the most prestigious venues in the world for both classical and popular music.” (website) It is named after Andrew Carnegie, who paid for its construction. It was “originally known simply as The Music Hall.” (website) The Hall was sold to New York City in 1960 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
As “Friends of Carnegie Hall” we are able to attend some wonderful, special events. We especially like the Open Working Rehearsals that are available to us. If you have a flexible schedule which allows attending some afternoon performances we highly recommend checking this out. Carnegie Hall’s website has information, or you can call (212) 247 – 7800 and someone will be happy to explain it to you.
This venue does not have a garage, so parking must be found in one of the nearby garages. The Hall’s website has a list of nearby garages.
Carnegie Hall is a large venue with three separate performance spaces: Stern, Zankel and Weill auditoriums.
The entrance to Stern (the largest space) is on 57th Street, close to 7th Avenue. You will find three sets of double doors. Facing the building, the entrance on the right has no steps. As you go to the left you will encounter one, and then two steps up to the entrance. There are usually ushers available if you need assistance. The Hall has “Lobby to Seat Service,” for people needing assistance. Find out more about it on their website.
Once inside the elegant lobby, the ticket booths are at the rear. There is a flight of stairs to get to the auditorium itself, orchestra (parquet) level. There is an elevator on either side of the lobby to get patrons to all levels except the balcony. The east elevator accesses the parquet, first and second tiers, and dress circle. The west elevator runs express to the dress circle. Both elevators are discontinued once the performance begins. You will find several benches tucked into the areas near the elevators. “Patrons who need extra time may arrive up to one hour before the start of a concert. Upon arrival ticket holders will be temporarily accommodated in the Starr Cafe or Rose Museum.” ( website)
The theater itself is easily accessible on the parquet level, with wide aisles and a slight incline to one’s seat. The upper levels require steps that are rather steep. Box seating has one step up to each box. “Limited wheelchair and companion seating is available.” Call (212) 247 – 7800 for assistance.
Restrooms in Stern are all multi-stall, and located on all levels except the balcony. The large restrooms on the parquet level are located on the left side of the theater (as you face the stage) and down an incline. Handicapped- accessible restrooms are located on the Parquet Level.
The Rose Museum “which chronicles the Hall’s history through displays, photographs, videos and more” (website) is an interesting place to visit. It is open from 11:00 – 4:30 pm.
Having never been to it, we do not have any personal information about the Cafe, so please check the website if you are interested. If you go, please comment and let us know what you think.
Carnegie Hall is a grand venue with an amazing sound! Attending a performance there is a wonderful experience. Last night we attended the Opening performance of this year’s NY Pops. Always wonderful, this tribute to Rock & Roll, called “Roll Over Bethoveen” was one of the best we have ever heard!
As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to check a venue’s website, www.carnegiehall.org, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”
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