As part of Carnegie Hall’s Honor! A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy, curated by Jessye Norman, the Rose Museum presents The African American Experience at Carnegie Hall.

At the laying of the building’s cornerstone in 1890, Andrew Carnegie stated, “here all good causes may find a platform.” At Carnegie Hall, African Americans found not racial segregation but an open forum that helped strengthen recognition of the African American cultural legacy and its significance.

At Carnegie Hall, Booker T. Washington raised funds and awareness for African American education in more than a dozen appearances; Marian Anderson made her debut nearly 11 years before being banned from appearing at Constitution Hall; and Lionel Hampton played with Benny Goodman in perhaps the first mixed-race ensemble to perform in a major concert hall.

In these and countless other events throughout its 117 year history, Carnegie Hall has offered its stages to African American culture, which has enriched the diverse history of the hall itself.

The African American Experience at Carnegie Hall is made possible by a generous gift from the Susan and Elihu Rose Foundation.