Group Tours Frequently Asked Questions
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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?
Tours are generally offered Monday through Saturday from October through July. We are typically not able to begin a tour before 9:30 AM or start a tour after 4 PM. The best availability is usually before 12 PM.
How much do tours cost?
Group tour tickets for adults are $18; tickets for seniors (62 and older) and students are $15. Starting July 1, group tour tickets for adults are $23; tickets for students are $21.
For a 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 a 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 tour accessible for guests with physical disabilities?
The Carnegie Hall tour is fully accessible by elevator. If you have any requirements for guests with mobility needs, please let us know when making your tour request. Wheelchairs and complimentary assistive listening devices (ALDs) and induction neckloops are also available. You can learn more about the accessible services we provide on our website.
How long is the tour?
Tours are approximately 60 minutes in duration, depending on the speed of group movement and 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?
During a tour, our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides share more than 130 years of Carnegie Hall history, walking guests through the landmark building. Visitors 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 that has more than 400 Carnegie Hall artifacts on display. Tours end in the museum, adjacent to the Carnegie Hall Shop.
Can we take photographs or video on a tour?
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. Sound or video recording inside Carnegie Hall is strictly prohibited.
Is there a bag, coat, or stroller check when taking a 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?
The stage and backstage areas of Carnegie Hall are only available to scheduled performers. For performance inquiries, please contact our Booking office.
Can our choral group sing a few bars of music in the Hall while taking a tour?
Groups are not allowed to sing during the tour as it may disturb other groups in the Hall or staff who may be working.
Can we bring food or drink with us on our 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 Group.
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 or change my group size?
Refunds are not available if the group cancels within seven days of the tour date. Partial refunds for a reduced group size are not available within seven days of the tour date.
How do I get more information?
carnegiehall.org/tours
tours@carnegiehall.org
Tour Hotline: 212-903-9765