Rockefeller Center is one of New York City's most popular tourist destinations and home to some of the city's architectural and sculptural highlights. Built in the early 1930s, the area soon developed into a vibrant cultural and commercial center, a status that Rockefeller Center still enjoys today.
Rockefeller Center officially opened in May 1933. It was built by the Rockefeller family after John D. Rockefeller, Jr. had leased the space from Columbia University in 1928. The construction project was vast, providing many jobs in a time of economic crisis. The official Rockefeller Center website states that construction took place "during the Great Depression's worst years," with the project employing over 40,000 people.
Rockefeller Center is located in the center of midtown Manhattan in New York City. According to the NYC Visitor Center website, Rockefeller Center covers an area of "22 acres between Fifth and Seventh Avenues (east to west) and 48th St. and 51st St. (south to north)." The Center is a combination of two big building complexes featuring 19 commercial buildings.
Rockefeller Center was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The area's historic importance is matched by its artistic value, with many architectural and sculptural highlights. The 14 original buildings are classic examples of Art Deco design. The Rockefeller Center website states that the 1930s development team held the belief that "art was an act of good citizenship." A number of sculptures are also spread throughout the complex, including a bronze-gilded statue of Prometheus and a 45-foot tall statue of Atlas.
The 70th floor of the 30 Rockefeller Center building has been set aside as a public observation deck. This floor, known as the Top of the Rock, offers a 360-degree view of New York City from approximately 850 feet above the sidewalk. According to the I Love New York website, the observation deck is open 365 days a year until midnight.
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is one of the Center's popular festive attractions annually. A tree-lighting ceremony takes place each year during the first week of December, and the tree is taken down in early January. According to the New York Visitor Center website, "The tree is generally between 75- and 90-feet tall and requires over five miles of lights to decorate."
Rockefeller Center has become one of New York's prime tourist destinations. Alongside the area's architectural and artistic attractions can be found fashionable shopping areas and tourist hotspots, such as Radio City Music Hall and the GE Building. According to the Rockefeller Center website, "An estimated million people walk through Rockefeller Center every year."
