Rockefeller Center
Geographic Boundaries
Rockefeller Center is a 22-acre site that stretches from 48th Street to 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan, bordered by Fifth Avenue on the east and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) on the west. The central axis of Rockefeller Center includes Rockefeller Plaza, the pedestrianized street that connects the individual iconic buildings that make up the complex.
Businesses & Retail
The complex has over 100 retailers including flagship stores like NBC Studios and LEGO Store and luxury retailers like Links of London and John Varvatos. Dining highlights include Sea Grill, which is seafood focused and is located directly across from the ice skating rink, and The Ribbon, which serves a contemporary American menu.
Historical Attractions
Commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and constructeJohn D. Rockefeller Jr. commissioned the Center, which was built between 1930 and 1939 and made its Art Deco debut during the Great Depression. Important landmarks consist of:
- Prometheus Statue - Paul Manship's gilded bronze sculpture (1934)
- Radio City Music Hall - Opened 1932 as the world's largest indoor theater
- TOP OF THE ROCK - Three-tiered observation deck offering panoramic views
- Christmas Tree Lighting - Annual tradition since 1933
Architectural Profile
The original 14 buildings illustrate Raymond Hood's Art Deco vision with limestone outer surfaces, aluminum spandrels and geometric elements. It also includes the later 75 Rockefeller Plaza 1947 - 1973, whichadds International Style elements. The complex includes:
- 30 Rockefeller Plaza - 66-story Comcast Building (850 ft tall)
- 1270 Avenue of the Americas - 43-floor International Style tower
- 600 Fifth Avenue - 28-story tower with rooftop gardens
Adjacent Zip Codes
The Rockefeller Center buildings are located in the primary zip codes 10111–10112, with 10020 (50th–51st St near Sixth Ave) and 10036 (48th–49th St near Eighth Ave) on either side. The region crosses across into portions of 10019 and 10018.
Corporate Tenants
Major office tenants are comprised of diverse sectors of the economy:
Company | Industry | Building |
---|---|---|
NBCUniversal | Media/Entertainment | 30 Rockefeller Plaza |
Bank of America | Financial Services | 1270 Avenue of the Americas |
Simon & Schuster | Publishing | 1230 Avenue of the Americas |
EY | Professional Services | 5 Times Square (adjacent) |
Transportation
This region is served by:
- Subway: B/D/F/M (47-50 Sts), 1 (50 St), N/Q/R/W (49 St)
- Buses: M5, M7, M50, M104
- PATH: 33rd St Station (15-minute walk)
- Waterway: NY Waterway terminal at W 38th St
Cultural Significance
Often portrayed in movies such as Elf (2003) and John Wick Chapter 2 (2017), the Center is home to the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and summer-long Today Show concert series. Its underground concourse attaches to over 20 buildings through the Rockefeller Center Concourse.