Andrew Carnegie

Founder

Having planned it with his wife Louise and friend Walter Damrosch, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of the new music hall that eventually bore his name. A staunch advocate for world peace, he appeared on “his” stage several times in that guise. Unlike any other Carnegie gift at that time, Andrew did not follow his “Carnegie Formula,” which sought other contributors (today’s matching gift). Rather, he continued to pay Carnegie Hall’s deficits alone until his death in 1919.

“
It is built to stand for ages, and during these ages it is probable that this hall will intertwine itself with the history of our country. All good causes may find here a platform.
— ANDREW CARNEGIE

From the Archives

Andrew Carnegie on a honeymoon picnic, 1887
Carnegie on a honeymoon picnic, 1887 (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)
Andrew Carnegie on stage at the National Arbitration and Peace Congress, 1907
Carnegie on stage at the National Arbitration and Peace Congress, 1907 (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)
Andrew and Louise Carnegie at Skibo Castle, 1912
Andrew and Louise Carnegie at Skibo Castle, 1912 (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)
Andrew Carnegie, 1913
Andrew Carnegie, 1913 (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)

Andrew Carnegie at Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall’s performance history database covers more than 50,000 concerts and events that occurred at Carnegie Hall from its opening in 1891 to the present. Explore events related to Andrew Carnegie (these links will open in a new tab with the performance history search tools):

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