Editing Carnegie Hall (section)

== History ==
The idea for what is now Carnegie Hall came from [[Leopold Damrosch]], the conductor of [[Oratorio Society of New York]] and the [[New York Symphony Society]].<ref name="NY1880">{{cite NY1880|page=691}}</ref><ref name="Page pp. 17-18">{{harvnb|Page|2011|pp=17–18|ps=.}}</ref> The Oratorio Society had been looking for a permanent performance venue ever since it was founded in 1873.<ref name="TL pp. 144–145">{{harvnb|Tauranac|1985|ps=.|pages=144–145}}</ref> Though Leopold died in 1885,<ref name="Page pp. 17-18" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=February 16, 1885|title=Death of Dr. Damrosch.; Fatal Result of a Brief Illness|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1885/02/16/archives/death-of-dr-damrosch-fatal-result-of-a-brief-illness-end-of-a-busy.html|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817224720/https://www.nytimes.com/1885/02/16/archives/death-of-dr-damrosch-fatal-result-of-a-brief-illness-end-of-a-busy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> his son [[Walter Johannes Damrosch]] pursued his father's vision for a new music hall.<ref name="NY1880" /><ref name="Page pp. 17-18" /><ref name="Shanor 1988" /> While studying music in Germany in 1887, the younger Damrosch was introduced to the businessman [[Andrew Carnegie]], who served on the board of not only the Oratorio Society but also the New York Symphony.<ref name="NY1880" /><ref name="Shanor 1988">{{cite book|last=Shanor|first=Rebecca|title=The City That Never Was : Two Hundred Years of Fantastic and Fascinating Plans That Might Have Changed the Face of New York City|publisher=Viking|year=1988|isbn=978-0-670-80558-7|publication-place=New York|page=77|oclc=17510109}}</ref> Carnegie was originally uninterested in funding a music hall in Manhattan, but he agreed to give $2 million after discussions with Damrosch.<ref name="NY1880" /><ref name="NPS p. 3" /> According to architectural writer [[Robert A. M. Stern]], the Music Hall was "unique in that it was free of commercial sponsorship and exclusively dedicated to musical performance".<ref name="NY1880" /> At the time, New York City's performance halls were mainly clustered around [[14th Street (Manhattan)|14th Street]],<ref name="Page p. 17" /> as well as around [[Union Square, Manhattan|Union Square]] and [[Herald Square]].<ref name="TL p. 144">{{harvnb|Tauranac|1985|ps=.|page=144}}</ref> The area around 57th Street was still mostly residential.<ref name="Page p. 17">{{harvnb|Page|2011|p=17|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="TL p. 144" />

=== Development and opening ===
[[File:Andrew Carnegie, three-quarter length portrait, seated, facing slightly left, 1913.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Andrew Carnegie, 1913]]
In early March 1889, Morris Reno, director of the Oratorio and New York Symphony societies acquired nine lots on and around the southeast corner of Seventh Avenue and 57th Street.<ref name="nyt18890315">{{Cite news|date=March 15, 1889|title=A New Music Hall; Carnegie Takes Hold of the Project and a Site Is Bought|page=4|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1889/03/15/106205420.pdf|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130215818/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1889/03/15/106205420.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=March 15, 1889|title=To Build a Music Hall: Plans for a Magnificent Building|page=1|newspaper=[[New-York Tribune]]|id={{ProQuest|573444377}}}}</ref> William Tuthill had been hired to design a "great music hall" on the site.<ref name="nyt18890315" /><ref name="rer18890323" /> The Music Hall, as it was called, would be a five-story brick and limestone building, containing a 3,000-seat main hall with and several smaller rooms for rehearsals, lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions.<ref name="nyt18890315" /><ref name="rer18890323">{{cite magazine|date=March 23, 1889|title=Out Among the Builders|url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vollist=1&vol=ldpd_7031148_003&page=ldpd_7031148_003_00000434|journal=The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide|volume=43|pages=392–393|via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]]|number=1097|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817224723/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vollist=1&vol=ldpd_7031148_003&page=ldpd_7031148_003_00000434|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' said "The location for the music hall is perhaps rather far uptown, but it is easily accessible from the 'living' part of the city."<ref name="nyt18890315" /> The Music Hall Company was incorporated on March 27, 1889, with Carnegie, Damrosch, Reno, Tuthill, and [[Stephen M. Kneval]] as trustees.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 28, 1889|title=The New Music Hall Company|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1889/03/28/archives/the-new-music-hall-company.html|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817224720/https://www.nytimes.com/1889/03/28/archives/the-new-music-hall-company.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=March 28, 1889|title=Incorporating a Music Hall Company|page=1|newspaper=New-York Tribune|id={{ProQuest|573489130}}}}</ref> Originally, the Music Hall Company intended to limit its [[capital stock]] to $300,000, but this was increased before the end of 1889 to $600,000, of which Carnegie held five-sixths. The cost of the building was then projected to be $1.1 million, including the land.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 15, 1889|title=Some Fine New Buildings; Grand Edifices Now Going Up in This City. The Carnegie Music Hall, Century, Republican, and Athletic Club Houses, and Lenox Lyceum|page=11|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1889/12/15/100981377.pdf|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131162044/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1889/12/15/100981377.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

By July 1889, Carnegie's company had acquired additional land, with frontage of {{Convert|175|ft}} on 57th Street. The architectural drawings were nearly completed and excavations for the music hall had been completed.<ref name="nyt18890719">{{Cite news|date=July 19, 1889|title=Carnegie Music Hall; the Work of Construction Is Expected to Begin Soon|page=8|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1889/07/19/106356928.pdf|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130215826/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1889/07/19/106356928.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Henry Elias Brewery owned the corner of Seventh Avenue and 56th Street and originally would not sell the land, as its proprietor believed the site had a good water source.<ref name="nyt19980103" /> Plans for the Music Hall were filed in November 1889.<ref name="p573493968">{{cite news|date=November 21, 1889|title=Plans for a Big Building Filed: the Music Hall Company Getting Ready to Begin Work—expectations of the Stockholders|page=7|newspaper=New-York Tribune|id={{ProQuest|573493968}}}}</ref> Carnegie's wife [[Louise Whitfield Carnegie|Louise]] laid the cornerstone for the Music Hall on May 13, 1890.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 14, 1890|title=A New Home for Music|page=7|newspaper=[[The Sun (New York City)|The Sun]]|location=New York City|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23665310/carnegie-music-hall-5th-7th-1890/|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818152705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23665310/carnegie-music-hall-5th-7th-1890/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=May 14, 1890|title=A Great Home of Music: Mrs. Carnegie Lays the Cornerstone of the Building Addresses by Morris Reno, E. Francis Hyde and Andrew Carnegie|page=7|newspaper=New-York Tribune|id={{ProQuest|573539715}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|year=1890|title=The New Music Hall|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yikxAQAAMAAJ|journal=Architecture and Building: A Journal of Investment and Construction|publisher=W. T. Comstock|volume=12|page=234|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818212042/https://books.google.com/books?id=yikxAQAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Andrew Carnegie said at the time that the venue was to not only be "a shrine of the goddess of music" but also a gathering hall.<ref name="TL p. 145" /> Isaac A. Hopper and Company was the contractor in charge of building the Music Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 1, 1893|title=Isaac A. Hopper's Record; Some Notable Achievements in His Line as a Builder|page=9|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1893/01/01/106858697.pdf|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153857/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1893/01/01/106858697.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 5, 1895|title=A Busy Life|url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_015&page=ldpd_7031148_015_00000037&no=2|journal=The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide|volume=55|page=7|via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]]|number=1399|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818212044/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_015&page=ldpd_7031148_015_00000037&no=2|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Real Estate Record and Guide'' praised the building's design as "harmonious, animated without restlessness, and quiet without dullness."<ref name="rer18901227" /> In February 1891, Damrosch announced that he had created a subscription fund for a "permanent orchestra" that would perform mainly in the new Music Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 6, 1891|title=Damrosch's Liberal Backers|page=4|newspaper=[[The Evening World]]|location=New York City|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83698532/damroschs-liberal-backers/|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818221448/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83698532/damroschs-liberal-backers/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=February 6, 1891|title=Our Permanent Orchestra|page=1|newspaper=The Sun|location=New York City|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83698800/our-permanent-orchestra/|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818221453/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83698800/our-permanent-orchestra/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Recital Hall opened in March 1891 for recitals of the New York Oratorio Society.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 13, 1891|title=A New Concert Room|page=3|newspaper=The Sun|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83699497/a-new-concert-room/|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818221452/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83699497/a-new-concert-room/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was around this time that tickets for the official opening of the Music Hall were being sold.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 22, 1891|title=To Open the New Music Hall: the Amended Programme—many Eminent Performers|page=24|newspaper=New-York Tribune|id={{ProQuest|573653596}}}}</ref> The oratorio hall in the basement opened on April 1, 1891,<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 731" /><ref name="nyt19980103" /> with a performance by [[Franz Rummel]].<ref>{{cite news|date=April 2, 1891|title=Amusements|page=4|newspaper=The New York Times|id={{ProQuest|94850411}}}}</ref> The Music Hall officially opened on May 5, 1891, with a rendition of the [[Old 100th]] hymn, a speech by Episcopal bishop [[Henry C. Potter]], and a concert conducted by Walter Damrosch and Russian composer [[Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky]].<ref name="p94939305" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 6, 1891|title=The Music Hall Opened|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83701940/music-hall-opened/ 7]|newspaper=New-York Tribune|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83701889/the-music-hall-opened/|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818221447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83701889/the-music-hall-opened/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the performance, Tuthill looked at the crowds on the auditorium's top tiers and reportedly left the hall to consult his drawings. He was uncertain that the supporting columns would withstand the weight of the crowd in attendance, but the dimensions turned out to be sufficient to support the weight of the crowd.<ref name="NY1880" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Schonberg|first=Harold C.|author-link=Harold C. Schonberg|date=June 29, 1980|title=Carnegie Hall, at 90, Is Thinking Young; Music View Carnegie Hall, Approaching 90, Is Thinking Young|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/06/29/archives/carnegie-hall-at-90-is-thinking-young-music-view-carnegie-hall.html|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818224625/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/06/29/archives/carnegie-hall-at-90-is-thinking-young-music-view-carnegie-hall.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tchaikovsky considered the auditorium "unusually impressive and grand" when "illuminated and filled with an audience".<ref name="NY1880" /><ref>{{cite book|last=Yoffe|first=Elkhonon|title=Tchaikovsky in America : the composer's visit in 1891|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1986|isbn=978-0-19-504117-0|publication-place=New York|pages=83–84|oclc=13498952}}</ref> The ''[[New York Herald]]'' praised the auditorium's acoustical qualities, saying "each note was heard".<ref name="NY1880" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 6, 1891|title=Music Crowd in Its New Home|page=7|newspaper=[[New York Herald]]}}</ref> The Music Hall had cost $1.25 million to construct<ref name="nyt-1991-05-05">{{Cite news |last=Schonberg |first=Harold C.|author-link=Harold C. Schonberg|date=May 5, 1991 |title=Extra! Read All About It – Carnegie's $1.25 Million Hall|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/05/arts/classical-music-extra-read-all-about-it-carnegie-s-1.25-million-hall.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> and was the second major performance hall in New York City, after the [[Metropolitan Opera House (39th Street)|Metropolitan Opera House]].<ref name="n110350207">{{Cite news |date=May 6, 1891 |title=Carnegie Music Hall Dedicated |page=1 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110350207/carnegie-music-hall-dedicated/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref>

=== Late 19th to mid-20th century ===
==== 1890s to 1910s ====
[[File:Carnegie Hall in 1895.jpg|thumb|Carnegie Hall in 1895]]
Almost from the outset, [[Ticket resale|scalpers]] resold tickets to the Music Hall's shows at greatly inflated prices, and ushers began selling off tickets to unoccupied seats at the start of each concert. For an inflated fee, the ushers allowed latecomers to sit down during the middle of a show, to the consternation of existing ticket holders.<ref name="TL p. 145" /> In May 1892, the stockholders of the Music Hall Company of New York discussed expanding the Music Hall into the site of a brewery at Seventh Avenue and 56th Street, which they had purchased about three months previously. The Music Hall Company also discussed enlarging the main auditorium's stage so it could accommodate operas.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 12, 1892|title=Changes at the Music Hall: Plans Which May Change the Place Into an Opera House|page=7|newspaper=New-York Tribune|id={{ProQuest|573781812}}}}</ref> 

By September 1892, the Music Hall's stockholders planned to enlarge the hall to accommodate operatic performances, following a fire that severely damaged the Metropolitan Opera House.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 5, 1892|title=A Home for Grand Opera; Plans for Transforming Music Hall Into an Opera House|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/09/05/archives/a-home-for-grand-opera-plans-for-transforming-music-hall-into-an.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820013952/https://www.nytimes.com/1892/09/05/archives/a-home-for-grand-opera-plans-for-transforming-music-hall-into-an.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="n110352614">{{Cite news |date=September 6, 1892 |title=Grand Opera Need Not Be Given Up |page=7|newspaper=The Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110352614/grand-opera-need-not-be-given-up/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> At the time, Morris Reno said the stage could not be modified until at least early 1893.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 19, 1892|title=No Grand Opera This Season.; the Carnegie Music Hall Stage Cannot Be Rebuilt for It|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/09/19/archives/no-grand-opera-this-season-the-carnegie-music-hall-stage-cannot-be.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820013953/https://www.nytimes.com/1892/09/19/archives/no-grand-opera-this-season-the-carnegie-music-hall-stage-cannot-be.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Music Hall Company filed plans for alterations in December 1892. The plans called a tower of about {{Convert|240|ft}} at the corner of Seventh Avenue and 56th Street. In addition, the original building's mansard roof would become a flat roof, and the seventh story would be converted into a full story.<ref name="p573728011" /><ref name="nyt18921228" /> The Philharmonic Society moved into the Music Hall in November 1892, drawing further crowds.<ref name="Page p. 19" /> The studios atop the building were constructed shortly afterward, from 1894 to 1896.<ref name="Page p. 19" /> 

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts moved into the basement recital hall in 1896, leasing the basement recital hall for the next fifty-four years.<ref name="nyt19980103" /> Also during the mid-1890s, the Music Hall was renamed Carnegie Hall for its main benefactor.<ref name="NPS p. 3" /><ref name="Page p. 17" /> According to Carnegie Hall archivist Gino Francesconi, the renaming occurred "so that it shouldn't be confused by European artists with a vulgar music hall".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shepard|first=Richard F.|date=May 12, 1988|title=Carnegie Hall Marks a Milestone for a Cornerstone|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/12/arts/carnegie-hall-marks-a-milestone-for-a-cornerstone.html|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818224625/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/12/arts/carnegie-hall-marks-a-milestone-for-a-cornerstone.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During the early 20th century, Carnegie Hall accommodated many recitals and concerts because of its acoustic qualities.<ref name="Page pp. 19-20">{{harvnb|Page|2011|pp=19–20|ps=.}}</ref>

==== 1920s to 1940s ====
[[File:Carnegiehall 1910.jpg|thumb|Carnegie Hall in 1910]]
Carnegie Hall officials renovated the building in 1920, replacing its [[porte-cochère]], overhauling the Philharmonic Society's office, and removing staircases for about $70,000.<ref name="nyt-1920-07-04">{{Cite news |date=July 4, 1920 |title=Change in Carnegie Hall; Substantial Steps to Provide New York's Temple of Music with a New Stoop Line|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/07/04/archives/change-in-carnegie-hall-substantial-steps-to-providle-new-yorks.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> By late 1924, the Carnegie Foundation was considering selling the hall to a private developer because of increasing financial deficits, which amounted to $15,000 a year.<ref name="The New York Times">{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1925 |title=Musical Centre is Likely to Shift; Approaching Sale of Carnegie Hall Will Compel Building in Another District|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/01/31/archives/musical-centre-is-likely-to-shift-approaching-sale-of-carnegie-hall.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> At the time, the site was valued at $2.5 million,<ref name="p1113115352">{{cite news |date=September 12, 1924 |title=Carnegie Hall To Be Razed for Office Building: Famous Structure Will Be Put on Market Soon as Result of Its Deficits; Price Around $2,500,000 |page=1|newspaper=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113115352}}}}</ref> and another performance venue in midtown, [[Aeolian Hall (42nd Street)|Aeolian Hall]], had been sold for redevelopment.<ref name="The New York Times" /> In February 1925, Carnegie's widow sold the hall to a real estate developer, Robert E. Simon.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 1, 1925|title=New Leader Rises in City Real Estate; Carnegie Hall Deal Discloses Robert E. Simon as a Manipulator of Millions|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/02/01/archives/new-leader-rises-in-city-real-estate-carnegie-hall-deal-discloses.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814231114/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/02/01/archives/new-leader-rises-in-city-real-estate-carnegie-hall-deal-discloses.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The sale agreement included a clause requiring that either Carnegie Hall would continue to operate as a performance venue for at least the next five years, or another performance venue would be erected on the site.<ref name="p1112791299">{{cite news|date=January 30, 1925|title=Carnegie Hall Sold, but Wins 5 Years' Grace: R. E. Simon Buys Historic Music Center, Agreeing to Time Clause Unless New Auditorium Is Built Sooner|page=11|newspaper=The New York Herald, New York Tribune|id={{ProQuest|1112791299}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=January 30, 1925|title=Carnegie Hall Is About to Be Sold, but Won't Close Yet; Clause in Sale Contract Safeguards Concerts There for the Next Five Years|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/01/30/archives/carnegie-hall-is-about-to-be-sold-but-wont-close-yet-clause-in-sale.html|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824143937/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/01/30/archives/carnegie-hall-is-about-to-be-sold-but-wont-close-yet-clause-in-sale.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Simon said the hall would continue to operate for as long as it was profitable,<ref name="nyt-1925-02-06">{{Cite news |date=February 6, 1925 |title=Carnegie Hall Sale is Now Complete; But R.E. Simon Says Buildings Will Stand Indefinitely if Income Warrants|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/02/06/archives/carnegie-hall-sale-is-now-complete-but-re-simon-says-buildings-will.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> and he wished to restore the basement recital hall as well.<ref name="p1113011924">{{cite news |date=February 6, 1925 |title=Carnegie Hall Has Passed from Iron Master's Estate |page=26|newspaper=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113011924}}}}</ref>

Under Simon's ownership, a new organ was installed in Carnegie Hall<ref name="p1111977225">{{cite news|date=June 2, 1929|title=A New Organ To Be Installed In Carnegie Hall: Preliminary Work for Placing the Instrument Will Be Started Tomorrow|page=F9|newspaper=New York Herald Tribune|id={{ProQuest|1111977225}}}}</ref> and dedicated in December 1929.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 28, 1929|title=Oratorio Society Gives ''Messiah''; Stoessel Leads Chorus of 250 Voices Augmented by New Organ of Carnegie Hall|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/28/archives/oratorio-society-gives-messiah-stoessel-leads-chorus-of-250-voices.html|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824143940/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/28/archives/oratorio-society-gives-messiah-stoessel-leads-chorus-of-250-voices.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Robert Simon died in 1935.<ref name="p1317982631">{{cite news|date=September 8, 1935|title=Robert E. Simon Dies at 58; Kin of Morgenthau|page=23|newspaper=New York Herald Tribune|id={{ProQuest|1317982631}}}}</ref> Murray Weisman succeeded Simon as president of Carnegie Hall's board of directors, while the late owner's son [[Robert E. Simon]] Jr. became the vice president.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 29, 1935|title=Weisman Is Head of Carnegie Hall; Elected President to Succeed Late Robert E. Simon, Whose Son Is Made an Officer|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/29/archives/weisman-is-head-of-carnegie-hall-elected-president-to-succeed-late.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530193208/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/29/archives/weisman-is-head-of-carnegie-hall-elected-president-to-succeed-late.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="p1237352810">{{cite news|date=September 29, 1935|title=M. Murray Weisman Carnegie Hall President: Managing Director Succeeds Late Robert E. Simon|page=24|newspaper=New York Herald Tribune|id={{ProQuest|1237352810}}}}</ref> A bust of the senior Simon was installed in the lobby in 1936.<ref name="p1237393750">{{cite news|date=May 6, 1936|title=Robert E. Simon Bust Unveiled In Carnegie Hall|page=16|newspaper=New York Herald Tribune|id={{ProQuest|1237393750}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 6, 1936|title=R. E. Simon Lauded at Bust Unveiling; Tributes Paid to His Idealism in Preserving Carnegie Hall for Community Use|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/06/archives/re-simon-lauded-at-bust-unveiling-tributes-paid-to-his-idealism-in.html|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824143937/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/06/archives/re-simon-lauded-at-bust-unveiling-tributes-paid-to-his-idealism-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The main hall was modified around 1946 during filming for the movie [[Carnegie Hall (film)|''Carnegie Hall'']].<ref name="Page p. 20" /><ref name="Walsh 1987" /> A hole was made in the stage's ceiling to allow the installation of ventilation and lights for the film. Canvas panels and curtains were placed over the hole, but the acoustics in the front rows became noticeably different.<ref name="Walsh 1987">{{cite magazine|last=Walsh|first=Michael|date=February 16, 1987|title=Sounds in the night|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963548-1,00.html|url-status=dead|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|volume=129|issue=7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930122117/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963548-1,00.html|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> In 1947, Robert E. Simon Jr. renovated the hall to designs by [[Kahn and Jacobs]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stratigakos|first1=Despina|title=Elsa Mandelstamm Gidoni|url=https://pioneeringwomen.bwaf.org/elsa-mandelstamm-gidoni|access-date=September 25, 2020|website=Pioneering Women of American Architecture|publisher=Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation|archive-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830104728/https://pioneeringwomen.bwaf.org/elsa-mandelstamm-gidoni/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Carnegie Hall History Timeline|url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/History/Timeline|website=CarnegieHall.org|publisher=The Carnegie Hall Corporation|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004234550/https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/History/Timeline|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Preservation ===
By the 1950s, changes in the music business prompted Simon to sell the hall. In April 1955, Simon negotiated with the [[New York Philharmonic]], which booked a majority of the hall's concerts each year.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Taubman|first=Howard|author-link=Howard Taubman|date=April 28, 1955|title=Orchestra to Bid on Carnegie Hall; Philharmonic May Lose Old Home Unless It Buys|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/04/28/archives/orchestra-to-bid-on-carnegie-hall-philharmonic-may-lose-old-home.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530193337/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/04/28/archives/orchestra-to-bid-on-carnegie-hall-philharmonic-may-lose-old-home.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The orchestra intended to move to [[Lincoln Center]] once it had been built (at the time, plans to build it were still at an early stage).<ref name="NY1960">{{cite NY1960|pages=1112–1113}}</ref>  Simon notified the Philharmonic that he would terminate the lease by 1959 if it did not purchase Carnegie Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 18, 1955|title=World of Music: Philharmonic Problem; Termination of the Carnegie Lease May Force Orchestra to Vacate in 1959|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/09/18/archives/world-of-music-philharmonic-problem-termination-of-the-carnegie.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153841/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/09/18/archives/world-of-music-philharmonic-problem-termination-of-the-carnegie.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-1955, longtime employee John Totten organized a fundraising drive to prevent the demolition of Carnegie Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 2, 1955|title=Drive Set to Bar Sale of Carnegie; Hall's Superintendent Seeks Aid of Public to Prevent Destruction of Building|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/06/02/archives/drive-set-to-bar-sale-of-carnegie-halls-superintendent-seeks-aid-of.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819182524/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/06/02/archives/drive-set-to-bar-sale-of-carnegie-halls-superintendent-seeks-aid-of.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Academy of Dramatic Arts had moved out of the basement recital hall in 1954. The Academy's former space was rented for the time being to other tenants.<ref name="nyt19980103" /><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 733" />

Simon sold the entire stock of Carnegie Hall, Inc., the venue's legal owner, to a commercial developer, the Glickman Corporation, in July 1956 for $5 million.<ref name="NY1960" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Fowler|first=Glenn|date=July 25, 1956|title=Music Landmark Brings 5 Million; Buyer of Carnegie Hall Offers to Resell to Orchestra but May Tear It Down Society Hopes to Move|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/07/25/archives/music-landmark-brings-5-million-buyer-of-carnegie-hall-offers-to.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153841/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/07/25/archives/music-landmark-brings-5-million-buyer-of-carnegie-hall-offers-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With the Philharmonic ready to move to Lincoln Center, the building was slated to be replaced by a 44-story skyscraper designed by Pomerance and Breines.<ref name=nyt19570808 /> The replacement tower would have had a red facade and would have been constructed on stilts, with art exhibits and other cultural facilities at the base.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=A red tower replacing Carnegie Hall|magazine=[[Life (magazine)|Life]]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UT8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA91|date=September 9, 1957|page=91|access-date=September 23, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727174348/https://books.google.com/books?id=UT8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA91|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=nyt19570808>{{Cite news|last=Callahan|first=John P.|date=August 8, 1957|title=Red Tower Is Set for Carnegie Site; a Forty-four-story Office Building Is to Be Built Where Carnegie Hall Now Stands|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/08/08/archives/red-tower-is-set-for-carnegie-site-a-fortyfourstory-office-building.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331164000/https://www.nytimes.com/1957/08/08/archives/red-tower-is-set-for-carnegie-site-a-fortyfourstory-office-building.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=September 1957|title=Red-and-gold Checks|url=https://usmodernist.org/AF/AF-1957-09.pdf|journal=Architectural Forum|volume=107|page=43|access-date=December 17, 2020|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227120503/https://usmodernist.org/AF/AF-1957-09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Glickman was unable to come up with the $22 million that the construction budget for the skyscraper called for.<ref name="NY1960" /> This, combined with delays in Lincoln Center's construction, prompted Glickman to decline an [[Option (finance)|option]] to buy the building itself in July 1958.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schonberg|first=Harold C.|author-link=Harold C. Schonberg|date=July 4, 1958|title=Longer Life Won by Carnegie Hall; Glickman Drops Plan to Buy Building as the Site for Big Red Skyscraper Property Off Market Decision Is Due on Whether Philharmonic Will Stay Till New Home Is Ready|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/07/04/archives/longer-life-won-by-carnegie-hall-glickman-drops-plan-to-buy.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153842/https://www.nytimes.com/1958/07/04/archives/longer-life-won-by-carnegie-hall-glickman-drops-plan-to-buy.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=July 21, 1958|title=Plan to Raze Old Carnegie Hall Is Off: Realtor Drops Option on Landmark in New York|page=3|newspaper=The Sun|id={{ProQuest|540427905}}}}</ref>

Meanwhile, soon after the sale, Simon started planning how to preserve the hall, and approached some of its resident artists-in-residence for help. Violinist [[Isaac Stern]] enlisted his friends Jacob M. and Alice Kaplan, as well as J. M. Kaplan Fund administrator Raymond S. Rubinow, for assistance in saving the hall.<ref name="NY1960" /> In 1959, two hundred residents of Carnegie Hall's studios were asked if they wanted to buy the building.<ref>{{cite news|last=Molleson|first=John|date=June 17, 1959|title=Bids Residents Buy Carnegie Hall: Studio Tenant Urges 200 to Gel Together to Avert Demolition|page=12|newspaper=New York Herald Tribune|id={{ProQuest|1323977017}}}}</ref> Stern, the Kaplans, and Rubinow ultimately decided that the best move would be for the city government to become involved.<ref name="NY1960" /> The move gained support from mayor [[Robert F. Wagner Jr.]], who created a taskforce to save Carnegie Hall in early 1960,<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 31, 1960|title=New Unit Formed to Save Carnegie; Society Would Lease Hall if City Can Acquire It|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/03/31/archives/new-unit-formed-to-save-carnegie-society-would-lease-hall-if-city.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814231126/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/03/31/archives/new-unit-formed-to-save-carnegie-society-would-lease-hall-if-city.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Molleson|first=John|date=March 31, 1960|title=Mayor Aids Plan to Save Carnegie Hall: Pledges 'Fast Work' To Back Committee|page=19|newspaper=New York Herald Tribune|id={{ProQuest|1325120353}}}}</ref> but Simon and his co-owners still filed eviction notices against some studio tenants.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Talese|first=Gay|author-link=Gay Talese|date=April 30, 1960|title=Evictions Fought at Carnegie Hall; Landlord Presses Cases Despite City Plan to Save Famous Music House|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/30/archives/evictions-fought-at-carnegie-hall-landlord-presses-cases-despite.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820145555/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/30/archives/evictions-fought-at-carnegie-hall-landlord-presses-cases-despite.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, special legislation was passed allowing the city government to buy the site from Simon for $5&nbsp;million, and Simon used the money to establish [[Reston, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=McFadden|first=Robert D.|date=September 21, 2015|title=Robert E. Simon Jr., Who Created a Town, Reston, Va., Dies at 101|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/realestate/communities/robert-e-simon-jr-founder-of-reston-va-dies-at-101.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=May 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524030217/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/realestate/communities/robert-e-simon-jr-founder-of-reston-va-dies-at-101.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The city leased the hall to the Carnegie Hall Corporation, a nonprofit organization formed to run the venue.<ref name="NY1960" /> For 15 years, the Carnegie Hall Corporation paid the New York City government $183,600 in cash. Afterward, the corporation started paying the city through benefit concerts and outreach programs.<ref name="nyt19820221" /><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 731" /> Carnegie Hall was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]] in 1962.<ref name="nhlsum" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Greenwood|first=Richard|date=May 30, 1975|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory: Carnegie Hall|url={{NHLS url|id=66000535}}|access-date=November 14, 2014|publisher=[[National Park Service]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=May 30, 1975|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory: Carnegie Hall—Accompanying Photos|url={{NHLS url|id=66000535|photos=y}}|access-date=November 14, 2014|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref> The landmark status was certified in 1964, and a National Historic Landmark plaque was placed on the building.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 7, 1964|title=Carnegie Hall Designated as a 'National Landmark'|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/07/archives/carnegie-hall-designated-as-a-national-landmark.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819014455/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/07/archives/carnegie-hall-designated-as-a-national-landmark.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=November 7, 1964|title=Carnegie Hall Made National Landmark|page=9|newspaper=[[Democrat and Chronicle]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83713903/carnegie-hall-made-national-landmark/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819012954/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83713903/carnegie-hall-made-national-landmark/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] also designated Carnegie Hall as a city landmark in September 1967.<ref name="nycland" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Callahan|first=John P.|date=August 7, 1967|title=Old Water Tower Now a Landmark; City Commission Designates Pillar on Harlem River and 10 Other Structures|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/08/07/archives/old-water-tower-now-a-landmark-city-commission-designates-pillar-on.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820144213/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/08/07/archives/old-water-tower-now-a-landmark-city-commission-designates-pillar-on.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Deterioration and renovation ===

==== 1960s and 1970s ====
A minor renovation of Carnegie Hall's interior, as well as a steam-cleaning of the facade, took place in mid-1960.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hughes |first=Allen|author-link=Allen Hughes|date=July 22, 1960 |title=Carnegie Hall Getting New Paint and Upholstery for Fall Season|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/07/22/archives/carnegie-hall-getting-new-paint-and-upholstery-for-fall-season.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819182659/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/07/22/archives/carnegie-hall-getting-new-paint-and-upholstery-for-fall-season.html |archive-date=August 19, 2021}}</ref> The basement recital hall became a movie theater called the Carnegie Playhouse. A screen was installed at the front of the former stage, while the balconies and side galleries were sealed.<ref name="nyt19980103" /><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 733" /> The Carnegie Hall Cinema opened in May 1961 with a showing of the film ''[[White Nights (1957 film)|White Nights]]'' by [[Luchino Visconti]].<ref>{{cite news |date=May 29, 1961 |title=Film Notes |page=4|newspaper=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1326941243}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Crowther |first=Bosley|author-link=Bosley Crowther|date=May 29, 1961 |title=Italian Film Opens New Carnegie Hall Cinema|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/29/archives/italian-film-opens-new-carnegie-hall-cinema.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819182526/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/29/archives/italian-film-opens-new-carnegie-hall-cinema.html |archive-date=August 19, 2021}}</ref> Carnegie Hall received a concert organ from the Netherlands in 1965, although the stage had to be renovated before the organ could be installed.<ref name="nyt-1965-06-30">{{Cite news |last=Strongin |first=Theodore|author-link=Theodore Strongin|date=June 30, 1965 |title=A $125,000 Organ Given to Carnegie; Installation Requires Major Alterations to Stage|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/30/archives/a-125000-organ-given-to-carnegie-installation-requires-major.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> The installation of the organ was delayed several times, as opponents feared that the changes would damage the hall's acoustics.<ref name="nyt-1969-03-20">{{Cite news |last=Henahan |first=Donal|author-link=Donal Henahan|date=March 20, 1969 |title=At Carnegie Hall: 'No Serious Problems'|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/03/20/archives/at-carnegie-hall-no-serious-problems.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> Meanwhile, Carnegie Hall was profitable by the late 1960s, having consistently hosted about 350 shows a year during that decade.<ref name="nyt-1969-03-20" />

Carnegie Hall became a more popular destination in the 1960s and 1970s, in part because of complaints over acoustics in the new Philharmonic Hall.<ref name="nyt19820221" /><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 731">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=731}}</ref> The deficiencies with Carnegie Hall's facilities became more prominent after the latter's renovation.<ref name="nyt19820221" /> Carnegie Hall began to deteriorate due to neglect, and the corporation faced fiscal deficits. By the mid-1970s, the venue suffered from burst pipes and falling sections of the ceiling, and there were large holes in the balconies that patrons could put their feet through. At the same time, operating costs had increased from $3.5 million in 1977 to $10.3 million in 1984, and the deficits had also risen accordingly.<ref name="p135117567">{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Meg|date=May 17, 1985|title=Fabled Carnegie Hall, Often Close to Death, Will Receive Surgery: But the Challenge to Restorers Of New York Auditorium Is to Avoid Harming It Fabled Carnegie Hall in New York Will Soon Receive Major Surgery|page=1|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|id={{ProQuest|135117567}}}}</ref> Carnegie Hall's equipment included a rundown air-conditioning system that did not work in the summer.<ref name="Stern (2006) pp. 731-732">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|pp=731–732}}</ref>

In 1977, the Carnegie Hall Corporation decided to stop allowing new residents for its upper-story studios; existing residents were allowed to continue living there.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=November 14, 1977 |title=Carnegie Hall to End Its Live-In Studios for Artists|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/14/archives/carnegie-hall-to-end-its-livein-studios-for-artists-carnegie-hall.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820144537/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/14/archives/carnegie-hall-to-end-its-livein-studios-for-artists-carnegie-hall.html |archive-date=August 20, 2021}}</ref> The studios were instead offered mainly to commercial tenants, who could afford to pay higher rents.<ref name="Herman 1979">{{Cite news |last=Herman |first=Robin |date=February 26, 1979 |title=City Studies Artists' Protests Over Rents at Carnegie Hall|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/26/archives/city-studies-artists-protests-over-rents-at-carnegie-hall-250000.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> This prompted protests from the existing tenants.<ref name="n110355510" /><ref name="Herman 1979" /> In 1979, the board of Carnegie Hall Corporation hired [[James Stewart Polshek]] and his firm, [[Polshek Partnership]], to create a master plan for Carnegie Hall's renovation and expansion. Polshek found that Carnegie Hall's electrical systems, exits, fire alarms, and other systems were not up to modern building codes.<ref name="nyt19820221" /> The next year, the Carnegie Hall Corporation and the New York City government signed a [[memorandum of understanding]], which would permit the development of the adjacent site to the east, a parking lot.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /><ref name="Shipp">{{Cite news|last=Shipp|first=E. R.|author-link=E. R. Shipp|date=October 21, 1980|title=Carnegie Hall and City Negotiating on Renovation and Air-Rights Use|page=B3|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/21/archives/carnegie-hall-and-city-negotiating-on-renovation-and-airrights-use.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819000418/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/21/archives/carnegie-hall-and-city-negotiating-on-renovation-and-airrights-use.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Randy|date=October 21, 1980|title=Mull sale of air rights over Carnegie Hall|page=65|newspaper=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83767827/mull-sale-of-air-rights-over-carnegie/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819224128/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83767827/mull-sale-of-air-rights-over-carnegie/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1981, the federal government gave Carnegie Hall $1.8 million for the renovation; the city and Astor Foundation had previously given $450,000.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 21, 1981|title=U.S. Gives $1.8 Million For Carnegie Renovation|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/21/arts/us-gives-1.8-million-for-carnegie-renovation.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821151423/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/21/arts/us-gives-1.8-million-for-carnegie-renovation.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 1980s ====
The first renovations started in February 1982 with the restoration and reconstruction of the recital hall and studio entrance.<ref name="nyt19820221">{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|author-link=John Rockwell|date=February 21, 1982|title=Carnegie Hall Begins $20 Million Renovation|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/21/arts/carnegie-hall-begins-20-million-renovation.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819002354/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/21/arts/carnegie-hall-begins-20-million-renovation.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The lobby was lowered to street level, the box office was relocated behind the main auditorium, and two archways were added to the 57th Street facade.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Goldberger|first=Paul|date=March 7, 1982|title=A Superb Scheme for the Renovation of Carnegie Hall|page=D27|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/07/arts/architecture-view-superb-scheme-for-renovation-carnagie-hall-paul-goldberg.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|id={{ProQuest|121888912}}|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821151430/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/07/arts/architecture-view-superb-scheme-for-renovation-carnagie-hall-paul-goldberg.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A new lobby and dedicated elevator for the recital hall was also created.<ref name="p424782471" /><ref name="n83763694">{{Cite news|date=July 4, 1982|first=Peter|last=Goodman|title=A building boom for the arts|page=117|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83763694/a-building-boom-for-the-arts/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819213805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83763694/a-building-boom-for-the-arts/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Carnegie Hall Corporation was also looking to develop a vacant lot immediately east of Carnegie Hall.<ref name="n83763694" /><ref name="Shipp"/> The renovation was complicated by the fact that some parts of the original plans had been lost.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /><ref name="nyt19820221" /> A controversy also emerged when the Carnegie Hall Corporation started evicting longtime tenants of the upper-story studios, particularly those who refused to pay steeply increased rents.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Phelps|first=Timothy M.|date=January 18, 1981|title=Carnegie Hall and Tenants Wrangle Over Rent Rises|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/18/nyregion/carnegie-hall-and-tenants-wrangle-over-rent-rises.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820144536/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/18/nyregion/carnegie-hall-and-tenants-wrangle-over-rent-rises.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=King|first=Martin|date=April 2, 1982|title=Tenants: Carnegie Hall is giving us the hook|page=94|newspaper=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83713538/tenants-carnegie-hall-is-giving-us-the/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819012947/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83713538/tenants-carnegie-hall-is-giving-us-the/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first phase of the renovation was completed in September 1983 for $20 million.<ref name="p424782471" /> A second phase included upgrades to mechanical systems, such as air-conditioning and elevators.<ref name="nyt19850517" /><ref name="n110354481">{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Joan |date=July 28, 1986 |title=Carnegie crescendoing |page=93|newspaper=[[New York Daily News]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110354481/carnegie-crescendoingjoan-shepard/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref><ref name="n110355099">{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Peter |date=December 16, 1985 |title=Carnegie gets $3.7 Million gifts |page=123|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110355099/carnegie-gets-37-million-giftspeter/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Carnegie Hall Tower.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Carnegie Hall Tower]] next to Carnegie Hall]]

As part of the third phase of renovations, a recording studio called the Alice and Jacob M. Kaplan Space was built within the old chapter room on the fifth floor, directly above the main hall.<ref name="n110354481" /><ref name="n110355099" /> The Kaplan Space opened in March 1985.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1985 |title=Carnegie Hall Opens Studio for Rehearsal and Recording|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/04/arts/carnegie-hall-opens-studio-for-rehearsal-and-recording.html |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> The corporation announced in May 1985 that the main hall and recital hall would be closed for several months. The corporation also started a fundraising drive to raise the $50 million needed to fund the renovation; more than half of the funding had already been raised at the time. A new structure designed by [[César Pelli]], later to become the [[Carnegie Hall Tower]], was planned for the lot immediately east of Carnegie Hall.<ref name="p135117567" /><ref name="nyt19850517">{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|author-link=John Rockwell|date=May 17, 1985|title=Carnegie Hall to Close for 7 Months Next Year|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/17/arts/carnegie-hall-to-close-for-7-months-next-year.html|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819000419/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/17/arts/carnegie-hall-to-close-for-7-months-next-year.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 20, 1985|title=Carnegie Hall renovations|page=118|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|first=Peter|last=Goodman|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83806992/carnegie-hall-renovations/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173056/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83806992/carnegie-hall-renovations/|url-status=live}}</ref> Further upgrades, which required the main and recital halls' closure, included upgrades to both halls, the lobby, the facade, backstage areas, and offices. The lobby was lowered to street level and doubled in size.<ref name="Shepard 1986" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|author-link=John Rockwell|date=April 16, 1986|title=Carnegie Hall's Plans|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/16/arts/carnegie-hall-s-plans.html|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819000421/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/16/arts/carnegie-hall-s-plans.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved the proposed renovation in July 1985.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=July 25, 1985|title=Landmarks Panel Backs Carnegie Hall Project|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/07/25/arts/landmarks-panel-backs-carnegie-hall-project.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821151423/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/07/25/arts/landmarks-panel-backs-carnegie-hall-project.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Renovation work began afterward. The project was complicated by the need to schedule construction around performances, the lack of a freight elevator, and the requirement that materials be replaced with close or exact replacements.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Purdum|first=Todd S.|date=January 5, 1986|title=Art Slows Carnegie's Rebuilding|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/05/nyregion/art-slows-carnegie-s-rebuilding.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821151421/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/05/nyregion/art-slows-carnegie-s-rebuilding.html|url-status=live}}</ref>  In April 1986, Carnegie officials announced their intent to sublease the vacant lot to Rockrose Development for the construction of Carnegie Hall Tower.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goldberger|first=Paul|date=April 30, 1986|title=Carnegie Hall Details Plans for Office Tower|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/30/arts/carnegie-hall-details-plans-for-office-tower.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524194608/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/30/arts/carnegie-hall-details-plans-for-office-tower.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Flynn|first=Kevin|date=April 30, 1986|title=Carnegie Plans For Office Tower|page=21|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772420/carnegie-plans-for-office-tower/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820000649/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772420/carnegie-plans-for-office-tower/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shepard|first=Joan|date=April 30, 1986|title=Deal will make Carnegie tall|page=103|newspaper=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772217/deal-will-make-carnegie-tall/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820000649/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772217/deal-will-make-carnegie-tall/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, the hall closed completely for a seven-month renovation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Larkin|first=Kathy|date=May 15, 1986|title=They shutter to think of the future for hall|page=157|newspaper=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83807252/they-shutter-to-think-of-the-future-for/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173057/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83807252/they-shutter-to-think-of-the-future-for/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Goodman|first=Peter|date=May 8, 1986|title=Restoring Carnegie Hall to Its Glory|page=199|newspaper=Newsday|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83807475/restoring-carnegie-hall-to-its-glory/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173057/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83807475/restoring-carnegie-hall-to-its-glory/|url-status=live}}</ref> The hall's plaster decorations were restored, although the carpeting and seats were replaced.<ref name="n110354481" /> That November, Carnegie Hall announced it would rename the recital hall after Joan and Sanford I. Weill, who not only were major donors to the renovation but also enlisted other donors to fund the project.<ref name="n110349671" /><ref name="nyt-1986-11-06" /> The Weill family had donated $2.5 million, more than any other donor in the hall's history.<ref name="n110349671" />

The main hall (including the Stern Auditorium) was reopened on December 15, 1986, with a gala featuring [[Zubin Mehta]], [[Frank Sinatra]], [[Vladimir Horowitz]], and the New York Philharmonic.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|author-link=John Rockwell|date=December 16, 1986|title=Rejuvenated Carnegie Is Again Premier Hall|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/16/arts/rejuvenated-carnegie-is-again-premier-hall.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819012948/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/16/arts/rejuvenated-carnegie-is-again-premier-hall.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Whitaker|first=Barbara|date=December 16, 1986|title=Reborn Splendor on 57th Street|page=4|newspaper=Newsday|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83713663/reborn-splendor-on-57th-street/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819012953/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83713663/reborn-splendor-on-57th-street/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Kaplan Rehearsal Space was also created in 1986,<ref>{{cite web|title=History of the Hall: Timeline – 1986 Full interior renovation completed|url=http://www.carnegiehall.org/History/Timeline/Timeline.aspx?id=4294968843|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095338/http://www.carnegiehall.org/History/Timeline/Timeline.aspx?id=4294968843|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2014|publisher=Carnegie Hall}}</ref> and the Weill Recital Hall opened in January 1987.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 3, 1987|title=Weill Recital Hall to Open With Festival|page=45|newspaper=Newsday|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83833266/weill-recital-hall-to-open-with-festival/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821000546/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83833266/weill-recital-hall-to-open-with-festival/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|author-link=John Rockwell|date=January 6, 1987|title=Weill Recital Hall Opens at Carnegie|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/06/arts/weill-recital-hall-opens-at-carnegie.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818152704/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/06/arts/weill-recital-hall-opens-at-carnegie.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A month after the main hall reopened, ''New York Times'' music critic [[Bernard Holland]] criticized its acoustics, saying: "The acoustics of this magnificent space are not the same."<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=732}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Holland|first=Bernard|author-link=Bernard Holland|date=January 29, 1987|title=Critic's Notebook; Setting the Right Tone for 'new' Carnegie Hall|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/29/arts/critic-s-notebook-setting-the-right-tone-for-new-carnegie-hall.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173056/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/29/arts/critic-s-notebook-setting-the-right-tone-for-new-carnegie-hall.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Weill Recital Hall also received complaints about its acoustics, prompting Carnegie Hall officials to test out noise-absorbing panels in that space.<ref name="nyt-1987-04-16">{{Cite news |last=Holland |first=Bernard|author-link=Bernard Holland|date=April 16, 1987 |title=New Season for Carnegie and New Sound for Weill|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/16/arts/new-season-for-carnegie-and-new-sound-for-weill.html |access-date=September 28, 2022 }}</ref> Several noise-absorbing panels were installed in the main hall in 1988,<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kozinn|first=Allan|author-link=Allan Kozinn|date=September 22, 1988|title=Critic's Notebook; Seeking a Consensus on Carnegie|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/22/arts/critic-s-notebook-seeking-a-consensus-on-carnegie.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173058/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/22/arts/critic-s-notebook-seeking-a-consensus-on-carnegie.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but complaints continued for several years.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /> Critics alleged there was concrete underneath the stage, but Carnegie Hall officials denied the allegations. Isaac Stern offered to disassemble the stage on the condition that the critics pay for the repairs if no concrete was found.<ref name="nyt19950914">{{cite news|last=Kozinn|first=Allan|author-link=Allan Kozinn|date=September 14, 1995|title=A Phantom Exposed: Concrete at Carnegie|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/14/us/a-phantom-exposed-concrete-at-carnegie.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=November 14, 2014|archive-date=November 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119062208/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/14/us/a-phantom-exposed-concrete-at-carnegie.html?pagewanted=all|url-status=live}}</ref> Polshek Partners won the [[American Institute of Architects]]' Honor Award in 1988 for its renovation of the hall.<ref name="Arch 1992-03" />

==== 1990s and early 2000s ====
During the late 1980s, Carnegie Hall had begun collecting items for the opening of a museum in the under-construction Carnegie Hall Tower.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shepard|first=Richard F.|date=May 12, 1988|title=Carnegie Hall Marks a Milestone for a Cornerstone|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/12/arts/carnegie-hall-marks-a-milestone-for-a-cornerstone.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818224625/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/12/arts/carnegie-hall-marks-a-milestone-for-a-cornerstone.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="p280806961">{{cite news|last=Soble|first=Ronald L.|date=May 13, 1989|title=Carnegie Hall Seeks Mementos as 100th Birthday Approaches Musical, Cultural and Political History Taking Shape at Venerable N.Y. Site|page=14|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|id={{ProQuest|280806961}}}}</ref> The Rose Museum was founded in April 1991,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Koenenn|first=Joseph C.|date=April 23, 1991|title=History From the Pockets of Tchiakovsky|page=60|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839111/history-from-the-pockets-of-tchiakovsky/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839111/history-from-the-pockets-of-tchiakovsky/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Zakariasen|first=Bill|date=April 23, 1991|title=Carnegie halls out its history|page=31|newspaper=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839140/carnegie-halls-out-its-history/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839140/carnegie-halls-out-its-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> with its own entrance at 154 West 57th Street.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kozinn|first=Allan|author-link=Allan Kozinn|date=February 8, 1992|title=Music Notes; Composers Orchestra Defies the Conventional|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/08/arts/music-notes-composers-orchestra-defies-the-conventional.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820003328/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/08/arts/music-notes-composers-orchestra-defies-the-conventional.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The East Room and Club Room (later renamed Rohatyn Room and Shorin Club Room, respectively<ref>{{cite web|date=April 3, 2020|title=Rent the Shorin Club Room and Rohatyn Room|url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Rentals/Event-Spaces/Shorin-Club-Room-and-Rohatyn-Room|access-date=August 20, 2021|website=Carnegie Hall|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820004724/https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Rentals/Event-Spaces/Shorin-Club-Room-and-Rohatyn-Room|url-status=live}}</ref>) were created the same year. Though the East and Club rooms were in Carnegie Hall Tower, they were connected to the original Carnegie Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Deutsch|first=Claudia H.|date=October 11, 1992|title=Commercial Property: Carnegie Hall; What's Playing? Maybe a Rousing Business Meeting|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/11/realestate/commercial-property-carnegie-hall-what-s-playing-maybe-rousing-business-meeting.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820004703/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/11/realestate/commercial-property-carnegie-hall-what-s-playing-maybe-rousing-business-meeting.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This represented the first new space added to Carnegie Hall since the studios were added in the late 1890s.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mangaliman|first=Jessie|date=November 21, 1987|title=Expanding Carnegie Hall|page=15|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83776361/expanding-carnegie-hall/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820010635/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83776361/expanding-carnegie-hall/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the parquet level, Cafe Carnegie was also renovated.<ref name="Arch 1992-03" />

The stage of the main hall had begun to warp by the early 1990s, and officials disassembled the stage in 1995, where they discovered a slab of concrete.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /><ref name="nyt19950914" /> [[John L. Tishman]], president of [[Tishman Realty & Construction]], which had renovated the stage in 1986, alleged that the concrete was there before the renovation.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 732" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kozinn|first=Allan|author-link=Allan Kozinn|date=September 20, 1995|title=Case of the Carnegie Concrete, Chapter II|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/20/arts/case-of-the-carnegie-concrete-chapter-ii.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173058/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/20/arts/case-of-the-carnegie-concrete-chapter-ii.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The concrete was removed in mid-1995 while Carnegie Hall was closed for the summer;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Page|first=Tim|date=September 14, 1995|title=Carnegie Hall Hopes New Floor Is a Sound One|page=8|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83808803/carnegie-hall-hopes-new-floor-is-a/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173056/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83808803/carnegie-hall-hopes-new-floor-is-a/|url-status=live}}</ref> soon afterward, critics described a noticeable change in the acoustics.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Oestreich|first=James R.|author-link=James R. Oestreich|date=March 5, 1996|title=Assessing Carnegie Hall Without the Concrete|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/05/arts/assessing-carnegie-hall-without-the-concrete.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173056/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/05/arts/assessing-carnegie-hall-without-the-concrete.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the basement, the Carnegie Hall Cinema operated separately from the rest of Carnegie Hall until 1997, when the hall's management closed the cinema, along with two shops on Seventh Avenue. In late 1998, Carnegie Hall announced that it would turn the basement recital hall into another performance venue, designed by Polshek Associates. The project was to cost $50 million; the high cost was attributed to the fact that the work would require excavations under the basement while concerts and other events were ongoing.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Blumenthal|first=Ralph|author-link=Ralph Blumenthal|date=December 14, 1998|title=Carnegie Hall Expanding, Using Underground Space|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/14/arts/carnegie-hall-expanding-using-underground-space.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819182525/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/14/arts/carnegie-hall-expanding-using-underground-space.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In recognition of a $10 million grant from Arthur and Judy Zankel, the new space was renamed after the Zankels in January 1999; the auditorium proper was named after Judith Arron, who donated $5 million.<ref name="nyt19990112" />  Construction took place without disrupting performances or the nearby subway tunnel.<ref name="AR 2005-01" /> Zankel Hall had been planned to open in early 2003, but the opening date was postponed due to the city's economic difficulties after the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001.<ref name="UPI 2003" /><ref name="The New York Times 2001" /> The excavations also raised the budget to $69 million.<ref name="The New York Times 2001">{{Cite news|date=November 1, 2001|title=Carnegie Delays Opening of Additional Hall|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/01/arts/carnegie-delays-opening-of-additional-hall.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819212820/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/01/arts/carnegie-delays-opening-of-additional-hall.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2000s to present ===

In June 2003, tentative plans were made for the Philharmonic to return to Carnegie Hall beginning in 2006, and for the orchestra to merge its business operations with those of the venue. However, the two groups abandoned these plans later that year.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=N.Y. Philharmonic, Carnegie Merger Off |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ny-philharmonic-carnegie-merger-off-68748/<!-- |agency=[[Associated Press]] -->|date=October 8, 2003 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=May 10, 2024|archive-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206141659/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/68748/ny-philharmonic-carnegie-merger-off |url-status=live}}</ref> Zankel Hall opened in September 2003.<ref name="UPI 2003" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kozinn |first=Allan|author-link=Allan Kozinn|date=September 12, 2003 |title=A Three-Ring House of Music, Willing and Able to Surprise|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/12/movies/a-three-ring-house-of-music-willing-and-able-to-surprise.html |access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819212822/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/12/movies/a-three-ring-house-of-music-willing-and-able-to-surprise.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Music critic [[Anthony Tommasini]] praised Zankel Hall's flexibility, though he said "the builders did not quite succeed in insulating the auditorium from the sounds of passing trains".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tommasini |first=Anthony|author-link=Anthony Tommasini|date=September 15, 2003 |title=Music Review: Opening Weekend at Zankel Hall; Trash Cans on the Stage, a Subway Underfoot|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/15/arts/music-review-opening-weekend-zankel-hall-trash-cans-stage-subway-underfoot.html |access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819214321/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/15/arts/music-review-opening-weekend-zankel-hall-trash-cans-stage-subway-underfoot.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Architecturally, the space was described by critic [[Herbert Muschamp]] as "a luxury version of a black-box theater, the hall has the feel of a broadcasting studio, which it partly is".<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 733" /><ref name=Muschamp /> Though Zankel Hall's large capacity was highly publicized, it was only reconfigured once in its first two and a half years of operation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wakin |first=Daniel J. |date=November 25, 2005 |title=At Eclectic Zankel Hall, One Thing Rarely Varies|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/arts/music/at-eclectic-zankel-hall-one-thing-rarely-varies.html |access-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819212824/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/arts/music/at-eclectic-zankel-hall-one-thing-rarely-varies.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Stern Auditorium's stage was renamed in March 2006 after [[Ronald Perelman]], who had donated $20 million to Carnegie Hall.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gelder |first=Lawrence Van|author-link=Lawrence Van Gelder|date=March 4, 2006 |title=Arts, Briefly|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/04/arts/arts-briefly.html |access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820003328/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/04/arts/arts-briefly.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Frank |first=Robert |date=March 3, 2006 |title=Perelman's New Platform|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB114134291021688065 |access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820003329/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB114134291021688065 |url-status=live}}</ref>

At the end of 2005, Carnegie Hall formed a partnership with the neighboring  City Center.<ref name="n120243767">{{Cite news |last=Dobnik |first=Verena |date=December 3, 2005 |title=Carnegie Hall, City Center forge artistic partnership |page=20|newspaper=[[The Journal News]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243767/carnegie-hall-city-center-forge/ |access-date=March 5, 2023}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2005-12-03">{{Cite news |last=Wakin |first=Daniel J. |date=December 3, 2005 |title=Two Halls Will Share Theaters and Funds|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/03/arts/music/two-halls-will-share-theaters-and-funds.html |access-date=March 5, 2023}}</ref> The agreement would have allowed the venues to host each other's dance, music, and theater programs; however, the partnership was canceled in early 2007.<ref name="nyt-2007-09-01">{{Cite news |last=Wakin |first=Daniel J. |date=September 1, 2007 |title=As Merger with Carnegie Crumbles, City Center Will Delay Its Renovation|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/01/arts/music/01carn.html |access-date=March 5, 2023}}</ref> Carnegie Hall Corporation announced later in 2007 that it would evict all the remaining tenants of its upper-story studios so the corporation could convert the space into offices.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Jim|author-link=Jim Dwyer (journalist)|date=August 1, 2007 |title=A Requiem for Tenants of Carnegie|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/nyregion/01about.html |access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820144538/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/nyregion/01about.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 12, 2007 |title=Carnegie Artist Tenants Fight Eviction |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12721925 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |website=NPR.org |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820144538/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12721925 |url-status=live}}</ref> By 2010, the last tenant had moved out.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Robbins |first=Liz |date=August 28, 2010 |title=In Apartments Above Carnegie Hall, a Coda for Longtime Residents|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/nyregion/28carnegie.html |access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820144539/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/nyregion/28carnegie.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, Carnegie Hall opened its Judith and Burton Resnick Education Wing.<ref name=nyt20140912 /> The new wing houses 24 music rooms, one of which is large enough to hold an orchestra or a chorus.<ref name=nyt20140912 /><ref name="AIA2017" /> The $230&nbsp;million project was funded with gifts from [[Sanford I. Weill|Joan and Sanford I. Weill]] and the Weill Family Fund, Judith and Burton Resnick, [[Lily Safra]] and other donors, as well as $52.2&nbsp;million from the city, $11&nbsp;million from the state, and $56.5&nbsp;million from bonds issued through the Trust for Cultural Resources of the City of New York.<ref name=nyt20140912>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Cooper |date=September 12, 2014 |title=Carnegie Hall Makes Room for Future Stars: Resnick Education Wing Prepares to Open at Carnegie Hall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/13/arts/music/resnick-education-wing-prepares-to-open.html|newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=November 14, 2014|archive-date=July 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706163106/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/13/arts/music/resnick-education-wing-prepares-to-open.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[American Institute of Architects]] gave an architectural award to the project in 2017.<ref name="AIA2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.aia.org/showcases/25541-carnegie-hall-studio-towers-renovation-proje |title=Carnegie Hall Studio Towers Renovation Project |publisher=American Institute of Architects |date=2017 |access-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214170534/https://www.aia.org/showcases/25541-carnegie-hall-studio-towers-renovation-proje |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Warerkar 2017">{{cite web |last=Warerkar |first=Tanay |title=4 NYC buildings are among AIA's best projects by U.S. architects |website=Curbed NY |date=January 17, 2017 |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2017/1/17/14296618/best-nyc-architecture-aia-carnegie-hall-rainbow-room |access-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120161257/http://ny.curbed.com/2017/1/17/14296618/best-nyc-architecture-aia-carnegie-hall-rainbow-room |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carnegie Hall closed temporarily in March 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New York City]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hernández |first=Javier C. |date=June 8, 2021 |title=Bruised by the Pandemic, Carnegie Hall Plans a Comeback|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/08/arts/music/carnegie-hall-pandemic-reopening.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/08/arts/music/carnegie-hall-pandemic-reopening.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-access=limited |access-date=August 18, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="ABC News 2021" /> The hall reopened on October 6, 2021, with a performance by the [[Philadelphia Orchestra]].<ref name="Simon 2021">{{cite web |last=Simon |first=Stephanie |title=Carnegie Hall reopens to music inspired by 7 p.m. cheering |website=Spectrum News NY1 &#124; New York City |date=October 6, 2021 |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2021/10/06/carnegie-hall-reopens-to-music-inspired-by-7-oclock-cheering-for-first-responders-and-medical-workers |access-date=November 21, 2021 |archive-date=November 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121161635/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2021/10/06/carnegie-hall-reopens-to-music-inspired-by-7-oclock-cheering-for-first-responders-and-medical-workers |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Carnegie Hall reopened Wednesday night for 1st live concert since start of pandemic |website=ABC7 New York |date=October 6, 2021 |url=https://abc7ny.com/11089319/ |access-date=November 21, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006143920/https://abc7ny.com/11089319/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Carnegie Hall returned to hosting a full schedule of programming during the 2022–2023 season.<ref name="Press 2022">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |title=Carnegie Hall plans return to full schedule in 2022–23 |website=amNewYork |date=April 26, 2022 |url=https://www.amny.com/entertainment/arts-entertainment/carnegie-hall-plans-return-to-full-schedule-in-2022-23/ |access-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609003150/https://www.amny.com/entertainment/arts-entertainment/carnegie-hall-plans-return-to-full-schedule-in-2022-23/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A new cafe at Carnegie Hall, the Weill Cafe, opened in January 2024.<ref name="Orlow 2024 t958">{{cite web | last=Orlow | first=Emma | title=Carnegie Hall Is Adding a New Restaurant | website=Eater NY | date=January 10, 2024 | url=https://ny.eater.com/2024/1/10/24029976/carnegie-hall-weill-cafe-restaurant-opening | access-date=January 10, 2024}}<br />{{cite web | last=Fabricant | first=Florence | title=You Don't Need a Ticket for Weill Café at Carnegie Hall | website=The New York Times | date=January 16, 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/16/dining/weill-cafe-carnegie-hall.html | access-date=January 17, 2024}}</ref>