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David Geffen Hall: A Symphony of Sound and History

Experience world-class performances at David Geffen Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic, in the heart of Lincoln Center.

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David Geffen Hall, located in Lincoln Center, is home to the New York Philharmonic. This iconic concert hall has a rich history, overcoming acoustic challenges to emerge as a premier venue for musical performances and cultural events in New York City.

A brief summary to David Geffen Hall

Local tips

  • Arrive early to explore the public spaces, including the Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby, which features a 50-foot digital wall displaying visual art.
  • Check the New York Philharmonic's calendar for free off-site concerts and events.
  • Take advantage of the accessible facilities, including wheelchair access, assistive listening devices, and braille programs.
  • Consider reserving parking in advance, as it can be limited, especially during peak performance times.
  • Visit the Welcome Center located in the southeast corner of the hall for information, tickets, and a coffee bar.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach David Geffen Hall via public transport, take the 1 subway train to the 66th Street/Lincoln Center Station. Alternatively, the A, B, C, or D trains to 59th Street-Columbus Circle are within walking distance. Several bus lines, including the M5, M7, M10, M11, M66, and M104, stop within one block of Lincoln Center. A single subway or bus fare is $2.75.

  • Walking

    From Columbus Circle, walk north along Broadway for approximately 7 blocks. Lincoln Center will be on your left, between 62nd and 65th Streets. David Geffen Hall is located on the north side of the main plaza, facing the fountain. Note that there are accessible entrances from Josie Robertson Plaza to the lobby.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Request a drop-off at 65th Street and Broadway or Columbus Avenue for convenient access to Lincoln Center. Taxi or ride-share services from Times Square typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic. There is a designated Access-A-Ride stop at 20 Lincoln Center Plaza for visitors with disabilities.

  • Driving

    If driving, use 10 Lincoln Center Plaza as your destination. Lincoln Center offers 24-hour secured indoor parking. Enter on 62nd or 65th Streets, between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. Parking rates vary, with options for self-park and valet services. Expect to pay between $30 and $60 for several hours of parking. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling CenterCharge.

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Discover more about David Geffen Hall

David Geffen Hall, residing within Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, stands as a testament to New York City's commitment to artistic excellence. Originally opened in 1962 as Philharmonic Hall, the venue faced initial criticism for its acoustics. In 1973, it was renamed Avery Fisher Hall in honor of philanthropist Avery Fisher. A substantial donation from David Geffen in 2015 led to the hall's current name and funded extensive renovations. The hall has a seating capacity of 2,200 and is the primary home of the New York Philharmonic. Over the years, David Geffen Hall has hosted a diverse range of performances, from classical concerts to film festivals. The recent renovations have transformed the concert hall into a curvilinear, unified room, enhancing the acoustic and visual experience for audiences. The stage has been brought forward, and seating now encloses it on all sides, creating a more intimate connection between performers and the audience. The hall's design incorporates natural molded beech wood walls to ensure optimal reverberation and sound differentiation. David Geffen Hall is committed to accessibility, offering inclusive design features and accommodations for all guests. These include accessible seating, braille and large-type programs, assistive listening devices, and tactile maps. The hall also provides sensory accommodations, such as noise-reducing headphones and fidgets.

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