Katya Grineva, New York

Among the world's most storied venues, Carnegie Hall has hosted the finest performers since philanthropist Andrew Carnegie founded it more than 120 years ago. Finished in 1891, the structure was planned just before the advent of steel-frame construction, necessitating a solid masonry design that insulates its halls from outside noise and lends the exterior its red-brick charm. The hall's architects traveled to Europe during the planning stages, carefully noting the acoustic qualities of the continent's best venues while finding themselves put off by the overwrought baroque stylings of many of the buildings. The resultant design eschews flowery ornamentation for a spare, elegant Italian Renaissance style, coupled with peerless sonic resonance. The Hall's centerpiece—the historic Perelman Stage—is renowned for its acoustics and Italian design rife with white walls, gold fixtures, and graffiti tags from Michelangelo.