Rockefeller Center in New York is a bustling center of activity that is home to some of New York City's most prominent businesses and visitor attractions. It is a 12-acre complex of 19 commercial businesses located between 48th Street and 51st Street in midtown Manhattan, and houses the famous Radio City Music Hall.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr., whose original intent was to develop an opera house, leased the Center's property in 1928. Instead, due to the Stock Market Crash of 1929, Rockefeller decided to develop office buildings in the Art Deco style. Additional buildings were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, and, together with Rockefeller's original office buildings, make up the entire Rockefeller Center New York.
A focal point, if not the centerpiece, of Rockefeller Center is the 71-floor General Electric Building (formerly the RCA Building). The GE Building houses NBC headquarters, and is from where Saturday Night Live is broadcast each week. Center visitors can take an elevator to the GE Building's observation deck, known as The Top of the Rock, to learn more about Rockefeller Center history and take in stunning views of the surrounding Manhattan skyline.
Rockefeller Center in New York is a popular wintertime destination. Many a Rockefeller Center Christmas has been depicted in movies and television throughout the decades, and with good reason: the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Rockefeller Center skating at its lower plaza rink together make for the quintessential holiday spirit. The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was put up in 1931, and the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree began in 1933-which has been a Center tradition ever since. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a magnificent display that amazes visitors both young and old.
Visitors can book a Rockefeller Center tour in advance, and reservations are recommended. A Rockefeller Center Tour is available every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. A Rockefeller Center historian will be your guide through the Center's buildings, gardens, and attractions such as the skating rink and Radio City Music Hall.
In addition to the Rockefeller Center Tour, NBC Studio and Radio City Music Hall tours are also available.
Rockefeller Center in New York is an internationally-known and beloved destination for both New York City residents and tourists alike, and offers the visitor a glimpse into so much of what New York City itself embodies: industry, commerce, romance, and history---and provides a mini-vacation within any New York City visit.
