We finally got back into the hall for a NY Philharmonic concert last week (reviewed separately), and we came away very pleased. The sound was good, both warm and reverberant, at least in our seats (middle of the orchestra, about 11 rows back from the stage). We marveled at the clarity of the acoustic, and in general the setting with some seating now behind and above the orchestra. The seats are comfortable with a decent amount of leg space unless you're rich over six feet. During intermission we were able to get into one of the patron lounges, which was small but pleasantly arranged with drinks and sweets and some seating spaces. And we stepped out on the balcony overlooking Lincoln Center which, in spite of construction, was a treat (see the photos). All in all, ours was a delightful visit, and we anticipate quite a few more in the 2026-27 philharmonic season. read more

See all

Beautiful concert hall. Sar in one of the side balcony seats. View was pretty good. Saw the NY Phil with Spanish Harlem orchestra. One of the best orchestra concerts I've ever seen. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

The public space area is open daily. Incredibly pleasant, comfortable lounge-style seating, on the quiet side. The cafe bar offers a variety of beverages, caffeinated and alcoholic. I met a few friends for a chat on a windy day. Lovely! Recommended! read more

David Geffen Hall - Side entrance - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Went to see Elf the movie while the NY Philharmonic plays the soundtrack live! Phenomenal! Security and the ushers are always kind and helpful. The seating is super duper comfortable. The bathrooms were immaculate! The acoustics in the theater is perfect! You can hear each instrument, crystal clear! Every few months they choose a movie and play live while you are watching; everyone that loves music and cinema should experience this! I will be back! I have also seen Bugs Bunny and ET here. They have also done Jaws and Star Wars. read more

See all

Beautiful performance hall. Seats at the top especially along the sides have a bit of a weird angle. But nice acoustics, comfortable seats. Plenty of people hanging out in the lobby right before the show starts. The staff were all very friendly. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

The new renovation was beautifully done. I was pleasantly surprised by what a nice experience it was to sit behind the orchestra. It ended up being a unique view that allowed you to really see everything that was going on. The acoustics in the facility seemed excellent. We had a lovely time and look forward to returning for another performance. read more

One of the premiere places to enjoy live music in the world. The recent renovation was good. Seats are comfy. The staff make an effort to be friendly. I've seen many amazing artists here over the years. read more

Wonderful experience at David Geffen Hall. I went for a De La Soul concert & the sound & theatre were top-notch. The staff was super friendly & helpful, as well. The stage is big & having the theatre screen with De La graphics & imagery added a nice touch. I was in the next to last row & still enjoyed the concert. read more

I always start my new year w/ Salute to Vienna on Jan.1st. They never disappoint. Tho I had setback before show, I was able to enjoy the orchestra, dancers & high energy of audience welcoming 2025! My physical discomfort took background to exuberance of performance. See u next year! read more

"Phenomenal" is the only word that sufficiently describes what it's like to attend a concert at the new David Geffen Hall. There is quite literally no bad seat in the house, from a visual or an acoustic perspective. We were seated on the 3rd floor balcony, which has individual, standalone seats! We felt like VIPs! Despite being on the highest balcony, we were able to hear every individual instrument in the orchestra with clarity. An absolutely magical evening that is a must-go for all music lovers. read more

David Geffen Hall - Mostly Mozart - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Always a favorite venue. I've been seeing concerts here since I was a teen. Yesterday's performance was terrific. TIP: leave your bags home and breeze through security. There's escalators, elevators and stairs. There are concessions on the ground floor as well as upstairs. So if it's crowded head up to your tier and enjoy the space. Drinks were $15. TIP: arrive 30 minutes early and pay $12 for the white and red wines. There were 'everything' croissants, and some other carb bites for purchase. TIP: yes, tipped them, they deserved it. For the first time we sat behind the stage which is new for this space. They decreased the number of seats overall and made more room in the row to walk without disrupting other guests. The arms on the seats lift. So if you're two pp you can sit closer or buy two seats if you need more room. The bathrooms are fully renovated and wider so you're not squeezing in and trying to close the door. Ugh so gross and ridiculous. Contactless soap, water and paper. Also there's a bathroom between the women's and men's called the companion bathroom. TIP: This is usually empty even when the regular bathroom line is long. read more

See all

The security staff push the button that opens double doors held wide for about 15 seconds in the middle of winter. They are able bodied men who could cut down on the freezing winds that blast thru by just opening one of the non-automatic doors right next to the automatic ones. Anyone can do it. The automatic doors should be for wheelchairs, strollers, people with their hands full and the elderly. Shame on these lazy guys. read more

I went here a lot when I was younger, back when it was called Avery Fisher Hall. This is my first time going since the remodel. It's fine. I can't speak to the acoustics because I did not see the New York Phil play. I will update it when I do! read more

David Geffen Hall - TwoSet Violin Concert - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Beautiful venue for a concert! The thing that stood out to me the most was the seating. I had orchestra seats and the way it is leveled stood out to me. I did not have a problem seeing over the person in-front of me. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

I've been to so many Broadway plays lately in the past couple of months that I was so used to going to a smaller theater with chandeliers and ceiling and wall architectural details. Coming to David Geffen Hall was a good 'break' from that since it's a large grand concert hall with modern designs, comfy and large seats and lots of leg room (in the second and third tier mezzanine levels, at least from my experience). I visited David Geffen Hall for the first time for a New York Philharmonic performance of the Blue Danube on a Friday night. (Pro tip - for young concert goers between ages 13 - 26, they offer Philharmonic Free Fridays as an incentive to get young people interested in classical music and philharmonic performances. You must RSVP/sign up on the Monday right before the Friday performance. Picking up tickets was so easy as they have a will call window dedicated to Free Friday goers. They also do check your ID for your birthday upon ticket pickup too). The night landscape of Lincoln Center is also very lovely with the lit up fountain and stairs. Getting into the hall was also a seamless process as they had automated detectors that you walk across and a physical person checking bags and scanning tickets. The tickets also tell you which entrance to use to get into the hall to your seat, which was fantastic. After clearing security, there were lots of benches to sit on before curtain and many concession stands. I had third tier seats and my friend got second tier seats. The acoustics were great even from the back row of the third tier. The hall is accessible as they had elevators servicing all floors. I wish, however, that they also had escalators along with stairs but it was good exercise climbing 3 flights up. I also really enjoyed the ambient lighting the hall had. The box seats to the sides also had lights, and I loved how they incorporated light flickers from those box lights into the performance. They also have restrooms on all floors (unlike many of the Broadway theatres). Although the facilities were very clean (they even had complimentary cough drops), the restrooms were very limited as they only had 3-4 stalls per floor. With such a large hall, this can definitely be a problem during intermission. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

The acoustics are Lincoln Center awesome ness. Unfortunately the facilities are in need of an update since David Geffen named his rights to the hall. The bathrooms look worse than Penn station. And women of course have to lineup as if they don't account for the fact that women take longer to go the bathroom and so seems to me that a woman should design the new facilities when time comes.... or name it with some other patron who will keep up the Hall. The lounge to grab something to eat looks labandoned and is totally in need of being updated. I don't mind the style of it is retro red velvet smooth lines, romantic but it just looks dingy they need some flowers, fresh lighting and use it! And the worst forlast: the seating. We are crammed into these dingy little seats (in old shoddy brown tones) like an airplane main cabin and what is the point? Come on board, come on Geffen really? read more

See all

You really can't argue against the acoustics at David Geffen Hall, at least on the orchestra level, and the seating is very comfortable. The facilities in general, however, are a bit lacking. In specific, the concession areas could be cultivated in a way that would enrich the experience, and make one feel less like they were fighting for complimentary breakfast at a cheap hotel. More importantly, it could use substantially more rest rooms, or bigger ones. Standing in a seemingly endless queue, waiting behind 100 elderly men with questionably enlarged prostates really detracts from the intermission experience. Like, a lot. Enough to make a person leave. There are a few cracked stair treads that could tolerate being repaired or replaced, which remind all comers that the facility is as outdated as the people waiting to urinate. It should probably be razed and rebuilt, but it's what we have for now, and what happens inside sounds considerably better than how it looks. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

I haven't been here in years but I was looking forward to Carmina Burana, a classic and popular choral work. Unfortunately, I was reminded why I haven't been here in so long: this hall is dull and the acoustics are average. The intense power of Carmina Burana was lost. It's too bad an overhaul of this space has been canceled. In the meantime, I hope they empower the ushers to use cattle prods on the unruly concert goers who insist on using their cell phones during performances. Between that problem and the increasing number of audience members who don't know when to clap, classical concerts will soon have to come with instructions. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Awful ushers rude and don't know the theater seating map. If a patron gives an usher a row and seat number they should know which door it corresponds with to tell patrons to enter through. read more

Came here to see one of my favorite pianists, Yiruma, perform. The venue is gorgeous and grand. I'm not expert, but I thought the acoustics were amazing. If one of your favorite artists is performing here, I highly recommend the venue. A couple of things you should know: - No food or beverage (other than water) allowed in the concert hall - You can bring your own water or buy it there for $4/bottle - Snacks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase during intermission - Depending on the event, people may be dressier than you'd expect (it is Lincoln Center after all) - Many parking lot options in the area - Student discounts are often available read more

See all

Splendid venue. The acoustics in the theater were excellent and the orchestral seating was good to hear a fine performance of the great oratorio, Handel's MESSIAH. read more

I vaguely recall that David Geffern Hall was called something else sometime ago. On my last and perhaps only visit, I came to see Steven Tyler from Aerosmith fame perform a number of his hits and some new material that somewhat departed for what Steven is best known. I loved the venue! Well organized, spectacularly clean and decent acoustics. Large enough to host even the biggest personality and intimate enough where there really aren't any bad seats. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

This is the building on the right-hand side of Lincoln Center. The Metropolitan Opera is in the middle, and the NY City Opera is on the left. David Geffen Hall is also the home of the New York Philharmonic, and they have just so many world class shows. I have been going on and off for my whole life. The show I saw this time was the Elgar Cello Concerto, and Tchaikovsky's 1st Symphony. They actually put a little more oomf into the show than they normally do. Although I wasn't expecting the acoustics to be that great because they are terrible next door at the Met, I was impressed with the acoustics at David Geffen Hall. The trombones especially were loud and clear. I could hear the soloist really well. I noticed that their security is fairly efficient. Still, I don't see a justification why they don't have security right at the door because large crowds form in the lobby, too. But at least they have something. 4 stars instead of 5 because the building is outdated, and it needs an overhall. The bathrooms are small and old. There are also not enough outlets available for people wanting to charge their devices before the show starts. read more

David Geffen Hall - There's an obstructed view, but they warned me about it before purchasing. It still doesn't feel far from the stage. - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Tonight was the last night to see the Amazing Violinist Leonidas Kavakos along with the New York Philharmonic perform a flawless Sibelius' Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, Op. 47. Mr. Kavakos received a thunderous standing ovation. Check out my video for proof! read more

David Geffen Hall - Great ticket! - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

They did a great job in renovating the interior (if you had been there prior to the reno it felt like you were going back to the 1960's). Now it is modern and roomy with beautiful wood-lined interiors, well-laid-out performance spaces, and bars located throughout the facility. There is a renowned chef at its restaurant which i haven't tried yet but will be on my bucket list. In addition to traditional classical music, their programming has started to include more contemporary performances as well. I recommend everyone go see a performance in this world-class performance space. The main room (Tsai Theater) has a great layout, the seats have decent legroom, and i am tempted to say every seat (including the high tier 3 levels) has great sightlines to the stage. The acoustics are fantastic as well. read more

Beautiful interior, great vibe with all the wood. Great sound as well. Also cool to look from the outside balcony into the courtyard if there's an intermission. Entry can be a tad slow, but the actual hall is first rate. read more

I still have goosebumps from this weekend's performance of Holst's The Planets. I am completely blown away by the magnitude and grandeur of the sounds that the NY Phil was able to produce. How can an orchestra be so amazing?!? If you haven't gone to a performance yet, go here. Now. You won't regret it, even if you're not a big fan of classical music, seeing the NY Philharmonic perform is an unforgettable experience. Bonus tip! If you're a student, make sure to take advantage of the rush discount. $16 per ticket with fees! Such a great deal for those of us still in school. Highly recommended!!!!! Please go here ASAP. read more

Lovely alternative to a regular movie date night. Especially if you love live orchestra music but are not quite into the whole opera thing. I love opera and saw the Magic Flute earlier that day at the MET but came back to see Babe with the philharmonic. Babe is a classic and wonderful film. Accompanied by the orchestra I was transported to another place and time. Tickets range between $45-80. But worth it. Plus Lincoln center at night is breathtaking. read more

David Geffen Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

The venue itself is run like a disaster. There was a email Blast by marketing to Arrive 45 minutes early. Also another email Blast that happy hour was before the concert, though they never say when it's open. I come Early and a security guard says 6, though he had no idea what I was asking about, so I come back and have to wait 1 hour for the Theater to arrive, 45 minutes for ushers to stand around and do nothing, then security walked U through metal detector and then stand in a small crowded shape for the ticket guys to get here, and they stood around and talked, like Disney has better security. Then u wait to go to happy Hour, and it's a stand picture here, not even a bar or a Decent one at that. Lessons learned, don't come early, don't come For happy hour, it's a scam and poorly a use Of ur time. Waited 50 minutes to Get upstairs. Then u get up there and the theater isnt open as well, every step of the way u have to wait to get to your seat. If you open, be f'ckin open. So It's 30 minutes till and everyone is sitting outside the theater waiting for it to be open, and it seems they forgot to turn on the lights. So they just now Turned on the lights, this experience is very disappointing for Lincoln Center. Hopefully the show won't be as poor as the venue read more

See all

Went to David Geffen Hall for an All-Mozart concert on December 2, 2016. The show started on Friday 8:00PM. Duration was 1 hr & 30 minutes with intermission. I would arrive 30 minutes before to the hall, because there was a line (a short line, but a line nevertheless) of people getting frisked before taking the elevator up to the hall. Paid $55 per ticket for seats on the right hand side row V seats 10, 12, 14. The right side of the hall has cheaper seats than the left side, because the soloist stands on the left. The right side has even numbered seats, the left side has odd-numbered seats. Honestly, the hall is small enough that there are no bad seats except the upper levels against the walls, you might suffer from an aching neck at the end of the night! My highlight of the night was during Flute Concerto No. 2 - Philharmonic Principal Flute Robert Langevin was incredible, absolutely enchanting. My mother's favorite was Symphony No. 39, Symphony No. 31, and Exsultate jubilate- so basically the entire concert. What I like best is that there are great restaurants just a couple blocks away, so going to the NY Philharmonic Orchestra after dinner is such a great thing to do! read more

Great big space for pop up magazine! The staff are kind, welcoming and helpful. Be prepared to go through a metal detector and wait on long lines for drinks. Event was a success and the space is nice and large for socializing and meeting new people. read more

A concert commemorating the late composer/conductor/multi-talented virtuoso Lenard Bernstein. I stick to the review of the hall as many music enthusiasts had reviewed the performance itself. Ex-Avery Fisher Hall, renamed after a generous gift by D. Geffen. Beautiful, wooden acoustics boards strategically arranged give the homey feel - almost resembling a chalet. It creates an excellent acoustic effect, and as I was in an Orchestra2 seat on the main floor, I could feel the vib(ration) climbing up my legs. I was feeling the music with my whole body. It wakes up your soul to an excitement of music. read more

I love Lincoln Center. Unbelievable concerts. I have seen Lang Lang, Daniil Trifonov and others. Would recommend for any classical music lover! read more