To many, the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan between 48th and 51st Street epitomises New York of the 1930s, but it is also the face of the modern city. Known for being at the centre of the city’s annual holiday celebrations, with its outdoor ice rink and magnificently illuminated Christmas tree, it is also a year-round destination with top entertainment and attractions.
Built between 1930 and 1939 under the direction of John D. Rockefeller Jr., it was the largest private construction project of the modern era, a beacon of hope in during the economic depression. The Rockefeller Center now comprises 19 commercial buildings over 89,000 square metres covering the area between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and is renowned as a benchmark for Art Deco Architecture.
The first port of call for any visit should be the famous Top of the Rock observation deck on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This open-air terrace offers you totally unobstructed 360° views of the cityscape below, with the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to the North, and across Central Park to the South. The observation decks are open daily, and the Sky Shuttle lifts will whisk you up to the 70th floor between 8:00 am and 11:00 pm (the decks close at midnight), if you prefer to see New York illuminated at night. Stop off at the Mezzanine Level on your way up to take in the permanent exhibition of photographs and artefacts (once you’re at the observation level, you cannot return to the exhibition).
To get a full picture of the history and design of the whole complex, take the Rockefeller Center Tour. An expert historian will take you through the 80 years from concept, construction and development to its current form via an audio guide, so you are free to explore at your own pace.
Don’t miss the chance to go behind the scenes at the NBC television studios, also located in 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Tours run every 15 minutes, and will show you the tricks of the trade including the props and costumes from programmes such as Saturday Night Live and NBC Nightly News. Aspiring journalists will even be able to get their photo taken at the news desk, or try their hand at presenting the weather.
Head down to the Concourse below ground level where you can grab light refreshments or a sumptuous meal in one of the restaurants. Seven Subway lines stop at this level, so access is easy from all parts of town.
