Wired New York
The Naumburg Bandshell is a timeless gathering place of music, history and community in Central Park.
Location: MAP | Mid-Park at 71st Street
The Naumburg Bandshell is one of New York City’s most cherished cultural landmarks, having entertained generations of New Yorkers with a rich variety of performances and special events.
While best known for its celebrated free summer classical concerts, the Bandshell also presents a diverse lineup of events throughout the year, including jazz, rock, dance performances, community gatherings, and special ceremonies.
For information about this year's summer concert schedule at Naumburg Bandshell, visit our Naumburg Orchestral Concerts page or www.naumburgconcerts.org.
History
The story of Naumburg Bandshell began with the original Mould Bandstand, built in 1862 as a Moorish-style pagoda on the Mall. Back then, free Saturday concerts would draw crowds of up to 45,000 on summer days.
By 1923, the need for a larger, more permanent venue led to the construction of the current Naumburg Bandshell, generously gifted to New York City by philanthropist and classical music-lover Elkan Naumburg. The Bandshell replaced the earlier structure and became a central hub for musical and cultural gatherings. In the 1980s, the nearby Wisteria Pergola was expanded to support the growing festival scene, including the launch of SummerStage.
Today, the Naumburg Bandshell continues to offer free classical concerts, inviting audiences to enjoy world-class performances in a serene outdoor setting.