Louise Carnegie

Wife of Andrew Carnegie and Board Member of the Carnegie Corporation of New York

A member of the Oratorio Society of New York and a good friend of Walter Damrosch, Louise Carnegie became a driving force behind the realization of Carnegie Hall after her marriage to Andrew.

Louise was Andrew Carnegie’s most trusted confidant. “I can’t imagine myself without Lou’s guardianship,” he often said. He didn’t make one decision without first asking “Lou’s” opinion. In her quiet manner, she helped oversee one of the largest fortunes in US history, changing philanthropy forever.

Following her husband’s death in 1919, she retained the Hall for six years before selling it in 1925. Louise was an influential member of the board of the Carnegie Corporation of New York until her death in Manhattan on June 24, 1946, at the age of 89.

“
I am the unknown wife of a somewhat well-known business man.
— LOUISE CARNEGIE

From the Archives

Louise and Andrew Carnegie, 1887
Louise and Andrew Carnegie, 1887 (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)
Louise Carnegie lays Carnegie Hall's ceremonial cornerstone, 1890
Louise Carnegie lays the ceremonial cornerstone, 1890 (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)
Louise and Andrew Carnegie, 1915
Louise and Andrew Carnegie, 1915 (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)
Louise Carnegie in her later life
Louise Carnegie in her later life (Courtesy of the Carnegie Hall Archives)

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