A city within a city and a National Historic
Landmark, this is the largest privately owned complex in the world.
Begun in the 1930s, it was the first commercial project to integrate
gardens, dining, and shopping with office space. Rockefeller Center is
the hub of midtown New York, alive with activity day and night. The
number of buildings has grown to 19, though the newer buildings do not
match the Art Deco elegance of the original 14 structures. Over 100
works of art lie within the complex, including a major mural in each
building. Still growing, this site contains one of the most outstanding
public art collections in America.
NBC Studios
Today Show
Top of the Rock
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The legendary
philanthropist and multimillionnaire, John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
(1874–1960) was son and heir to Ohio oil magnate John Davison
Rockefeller’s fortunes and took over the family oil business in 1911.
Rockefeller, or John D., as he was known, strongly believed his
inheritance should be used for the public good. Among his philanthropic
donations were contributions to the building funds of the United Nations Headquarters, the Cloisters, and the Riverside Church.
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Rockefeller Center Plan
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Starting on 5th Ave, walk through the Channel Gardens to the Sunken Garden.
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Pick up a self-guided tour leaflet from the lobby of the G.E. Building while looking at the Sert Murals.
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For stunning, 360-degree views of Manhattan, visit the Top of the Rock observation deck on the 67th–70th floors.
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Top 10 Exhibits
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Channel Gardens
Named
after the English Channel because they separate the French and British
buildings, the gardens change with the calendar and are lined with
glowing angels at Christmas. The six fountainhead figures are by René
Chambellan.
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Sunken Garden
A
skating rink in winter and leafy outdoor café in summer, the Sunken
Garden is a bright spot year round. It is surrounded by colorful flags
that represent the members of the United Nations.
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Prometheus Statue
An
18-ft (5.5-m) gold-leafed bronze statue by Paul Manship presides over
the Sunken Garden. The pedestal represents Earth and the circle
containing the signs of the zodiac represents the heavens.
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Atlas Statue
Sculpted
by Lee Lawrie, this 14,000-lb (6,350-kg), 15-ft (4.5-m) figure is
perched on a 9-ft (3-m) pedestal. One of 15 works by Lawrie at the
Center, it stands at the entrance to the International Building.
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G.E. Building
The
centerpiece of Rockefeller Center is a slim, 70-story limestone tower.
The design features gradual setbacks as the building rises to ensure
that no office is more than 27 ft (8 m) from a window.
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NBC Studios
Backstage
tours of a major television network’s studios are popular. Visitors can
now buy tickets online or write ahead for shows ; tickets may also be available in the lobby of the G.E. building.
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Today Show Studio
This
morning TV show can be viewed live every weekday morning from the
sidewalk in front of the studio. A camera often films the fans watching
the show.
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Shopping Concourse
A
variety of stores are found in the underground concourse, also known as
the catacombs, of the G.E. Building, including a branch of the
Metropolitan Museum shop.
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Radio City Music Hall
Tours
of this Art Deco masterpiece and former movie palace are a chance to
admire the decor, the stage, and the legendary Wurlitzer organ.
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Top of the Rock
Here
visitors are treated to breathtaking, unobstructed views – and even
space to move about – on the observation deck’s three levels.
