Rockefeller Center, located in New York, US, is a large complex spanning 22 acres in Midtown Manhattan. Conceived by John D. Rockefeller Jr. during the Great Depression, construction began in 1930 and was completed in 1939. The complex is a beacon of Art Deco architecture and includes 19 commercial buildings.
The centerpiece is the RCA Building, now known as the Comcast Building or 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This 70-story skyscraper stands at 850 feet and is home to the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck, which offers panoramic views of New York City.
Rockefeller Center is renowned for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The tradition started in 1933 and the tree, often a Norway Spruce, is adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star.
The Radio City Music Hall, part of Rockefeller Center, opened in 1932 and is known as the "Showplace of the Nation." It hosts the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, a precision dance company.
Rockefeller Center also houses the iconic Ice Skating Rink, which opened on Christmas Day in 1936. Originally intended as a temporary attraction, it became a permanent fixture due to its popularity. The rink is surrounded by the Channel Gardens, a lush, seasonal garden that changes throughout the year.
The complex is also home to the NBC Studios, where popular shows like "Saturday Night Live" are filmed. NBC's presence dates back to the early days of television, making Rockefeller Center a historic broadcasting hub.
Public art is a prominent feature at Rockefeller Center. The Prometheus Statue, created by Paul Manship, is a gilded bronze figure that overlooks the ice rink. The Atlas Statue, sculpted by Lee Lawrie, stands in front of the International Building and represents the ancient Greek Titan holding the heavens.
Rockefeller Center also played a significant role during World War II. The complex was designed with a network of underground tunnels to act as bomb shelters. Additionally, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was symbolically decorated with patriotic themes during the war years.
The complex's construction provided employment for thousands during the Great Depression, making it a symbol of resilience and hope. Today, Rockefeller Center remains a bustling commercial and tourist hub, attracting millions of visitors annually.