West Virginia Is Home To One Of Only Four Carnegie Halls Remaining In The World

The Mountain State has the distinction of being home to one of only four remaining Carnegie Halls in the world. For those unfamiliar with Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, or the rich steel magnate who funded both buildings, neither of these Carnegie Halls would exist without the generous funding of Andrew Carnegie. In the late 1800s he was one of the richest (and most generous men) in the world. It’s said that in the last 18 years of his life, Carnegie gave away 90% of his fortune to charities, foundations, and universities.

The original Carnegie Hall was built in New York City and opened in 1891. Just 11 years later, the Lewisburg Female Institute would open its own Carnegie Hall — thanks to a generous donation of more than $26,000 from Andrew Carnegie to build the facility. (Local residents donated the remaining $10,000 needed for the project).

Later known as the Greenbrier College for Women, the building housed classrooms, studios, a lab, and an auditorium. It remained open until 1972, when soon after, the State of West Virginia used the building as a facility to help individuals with special needs.

After that use was abandoned, by the 1980s West Virginia's Carnegie Hall was on the short list for demolition. But local residents formed a coalition and miraculously saved the historic building and returned it to its original use as a performance venue in 1983.

Today, the 420-seat auditorium is home to scores of performances featuring everything from the WV Symphony to local, regional, and national performers.

Additionally, Carnegie Hall also features several gallery exhibitions throughout the year.

Admission to the building and to the gallery exhibits is always free. Performance prices vary by event.

Wondering where the other three Carnegie Halls are located in the world? Well, one of them is in Manhattan. Another is located in Carnegie's native land of Dunfermline, Scotland; and the last is on the north side of Pittsburgh.

Want to see it in person? Carnegie Hall is located at 611 Church St., Lewisburg, WV 24901. Learn more on the official website.

Discover 14 additional famous buildings hiding in the Mountain State in this previously published article!

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One Of Only Four Remaining Carnegie Halls In The World Is Hiding Right Here In West Virginia

Robin Jarvis

Author

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