The Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall have announced that face masks will be optional for audiences starting October 24. The David H. Koch Theater, home to the New York City Ballet, will end its mask requirement November 1. The classic arts venues are among the last major performance venues in New York City to do so, after The Broadway League ended mask requirements in July.

“We feel it’s important that we do our part to help the city return to a much more normal state of affairs," said Deborah Borda, president of the New York Philharmonic, which recently began its 2022-23 season at a newly renovated David Geffen Hall.

While all other Lincoln Center venues will shift to a mask-optional policy, masks continue to be required at Lincoln Center Theater's Mitzi E. Newhouse and Claire Tow theaters. More information about current COVID safety policies at New York City performance venues can be found here.