Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 buildings, squares, shops, covering 9 hectares in the center of Manhattan. This is one of the most famous attractions not only in New York, but throughout the country. It often hosts guided tours for tourists from other countries. There is an observation deck on the roof of the GE building, allowing you to admire the views of the city from a height. During the holidays, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance, because they are quickly sold out.
History of creation
In the 1930s, the facility was built on the initiative of tycoon John Rockefeller Sr., who planned to open a leisure center that would combine ballet, theater, concert halls and other institutions. Due to the Great Depression, changes were made to the plans: it was decided to build a business center.
The complex was named after John Davison Rockefeller Jr. in order to attract tenants to occupy the newly opened offices. The construction work was carried out at the expense of the Rockefeller family. Since 1987, the Rockefeller Center has been a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
Short description
Most of the buildings are decorated in the Art Deco style, which is characterized by strict geometric shapes without complicated details. At Rockefeller Center, the length of the underpasses connecting the buildings is more than 1 kilometer. They are supported by a multi-level steel skeleton. In this place you can visit the shopping center, use the services of storage rooms.
The center houses the head office of the NBC television channel, offices of other companies, cafes, restaurants, and shops are open. The skating rink, which was planned as a temporary rink, has become massive. It is flooded from October to April, it receives visitors from 8.30 to midnight. Skates can be brought from home or rented for an additional fee. Instructors are available for those who have never skated or want to improve their skills.
What else is in the center
""Rockefeller Center" includes the 70-storey skyscraper General Electric Building with a height of more than 265 meters, the 259-meter building "Rockefeller Plaza, 30", also known as the Comcast building, considered the central object of the center, the theater and concert hall "Radio City", where artists perform and events are held.
The Top of the Rock observation deck is located on the 70th floor. The terrace offers views of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and other attractions. On the 67th floor there is a glazed gallery with a room with benches in front of the windows, on the 69th level you can get to another gallery, which gives an almost complete view of the city.
There are gardens with fountains on the roofs and in the galleries. ""Atlas" and "Prometheus" sculptures adorn the Rockefeller Center with murals by Diego Rivera. Traditionally, since 1936, a Christmas tree with a height of 25-30 meters and a width of about 10 meters has been installed in the center of the attraction in winter and decorated with thousands of electric light bulbs. Both children and adults like to take photos against her background. It creates the feeling of a real holiday, in such an atmosphere it is pleasant to dream and make plans.
How to get
The 47th-50th Street metro station is located in the central part of the complex. Buses numbered M1 to M7, as well as M27, M50, and Q32 pass nearby. You can get to Rockefeller Center by car or taxi. It's always crowded here, but there are more people on weekends than on weekdays.
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