DK Travel : New York : Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

4.0 /5 (8 votes)

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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 is one of the most outstanding public art collections in America.

Top 10 Exhibits

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Prometheus Statue

An 18-ft (5.5-m) bronze and gold leaf 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. NBC Studios

Backstage tours of a major television network’s studios are popular. Visitors can now buy tickets online or write ahead for shows (see Free TV Shows); tickets may also be available in the lobby of the G.E. building.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Radio City Music Hall

Guided tours of this Art Deco masterpiece and former movie palace are a chance to admire the decor, the stage, and the legendary Wurlitzer organ.
10. Paine Webber Art Gallery

10. Paine Webber Art Gallery

Opened in 1985, this gallery mounts four or five shows a year. Changing exhibits are eclectic, ranging from Mayan art to sports photography .

Practical Information

Starting on Fifth Avenue, walk through the Channel Gardens to the Sunken Garden. Pick up a self-guided tour leaflet from the lobby of the G.E. Building while looking at the Sert Murals. Rockefeller Center extends from Fifth to Sixth avenues, between 48th and 51st streets www.rockefellercenter.com NBC Studios 30 Rockefeller Plaza 212 664 7174 tours: open 8:30am–5:30pm Mon–Sat, 9:30am– 4:30pm Sun admission charge reservations advised Today Show: Rockefeller Plaza at 49th Street open 7–9am Mon–Fri

Reviews

fionafield

Great to see New York from the top of the Rockafella Centre a night - amazing.

about a year ago

paulandrach

An amazing building which we headed to late in the day without checking what was there. A friend had said to go to the Rainbow lounge at sunset and have a Long Island Iced tea, because we just had to! Apparently it's right up there on the gazillionth floor. We never made it to the elevator as a security guard told us we were improperly dressed. No sneakers, shorts, denim or t shirts - oh good, that's us! Would have been nice to know beforehand.

about a year ago

Clare

This is definitely a better plan than the Empire State for stunning views of the city and I agree the lift ride is great!

about 2 years ago

starlottie

A great way to see the sights by visiting Top of The Rock. Rollercoaster style lift ride up there as its glass and you can see each floor as you go up! Once you are up there it is really peaceful compared to the Empire State as think its quite undiscovered. Tips - Money off coupons with free postcard available for this by the lifts before you pay. Natural History very close by make sure you check this out too!!

about 2 years ago

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