45 Rockefeller Plaza

Coming from a prosperous family in the oil industry, John D. Rockefeller Jr. dreamed big and wanted to create an attractive sector in New York. The objective was to create a diversified entertainment center that attracted the population and visitors. Among the first interested in settling their new headquarters was the opera house, the Met Opera. Unfortunately, the latter had to withdraw following the economic pressures of the moment. We are then in the early 1930s, almost 100 years ago and during the Great Depression.

Despite the Met Opera’s withdrawal, the project continued. Agreements with entertainment, radio and television communication companies gave wings to the development project which also included the retail stores and restaurants.

An infrastructure of the scale of Rockefeller Center is, obviously, a site whose construction took place over several years, the first building opened in 1933.

At the turn of the 19th century, part of the lot was the site of the country’s first botanical garden, of physician David Hosack, which was later purchased by Columbia University. Rockefeller initially leased the land from the university which had moved their campus to other locations, but Rockefeller eventually acquired the block, remodeled and destroyed several establishments, including residences, to make way for 19 buildings grouped between 48th and 51st Street and between the famous Fifth and Sixth avenues in the heart of New York. Only two owners refused to give up their lots and the Rockefeller center had to contour them.  The 1240 and 1258 Sixth avenue (corners 49th Street and 50th Street) are buildings that now blend into the decor.

The Rockefeller Center is visited annually by millions of visitors for different reasons: the emblematic refrigerated ice rink, its shops, the view of the 70th-century city known as the Top of the Rock, the immense annual Christmas tree, the art including sculptures, Radio City Music Hall and more. The Rockefeller Center has been recognized as a national historic heritage since 1987.

Rockefeller Plaza is a pedestrianized commercial street that runs through Rockefeller Center. We head there to access the Lower Plaza which is below the street level to find the Prometheus sculpture, the ice rink, shops and restaurants, but the view is more spectacular if you arrive from Fifth avenue. You can be, as I was, naturally attracted there by the flow of visitors who came to capture unique and typically New York City images.

Although relatively small, the ice rink is sheltered from the wind and is set in an immersive, romantic setting admired by many. In summer, we use roller skates and in winter we put on ice skates. During the festivities surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Day, being directly under the huge fir tree, the place becomes magical and the surrounding businesses also hum with the theme of the holidays. By the way, you can rent skates on-site if you want.

The large bronze sculpture, 18ft (5.5m) high, is Prometheus, the Greek god of fire, and is featured on several postcards and tourist guides. This masterpiece of art is covered in gold leaf which gives it a rich 8-ton look. The work of the Roman Bronze Works has its back to a wall and is installed in a pretty lit water basin with waterfalls in the background and on the sides. We face it when we arrive from Fifth Avenue.

This is not the only bronze statue on the site. Atlas is located in the “International building”. Atlas is the brother of Prometheus and he represents strength and endurance. Atlas carries the heavy load of the solar system. Just like Prometheus, both have the signs of the zodiac engraved.

Two other bronze statues are found in the plaza, Youth and Maiden, at street level on the columns on either side of the staircase leading to the lower level of the plaza. These were originally intended to be installed alongside Prometheus. However, although all three were covered in gold leaf, the planned visual effect was not up to par and they quickly disappeared from the decor of the Lower Plaza of the Rockefeller Center. It was only in 2001 that they were installed in their current locations, but this time without their golden coverings.

The installation of multiple flags around the Lower Plaza creates movement. These flags are those of participating United Nations countries whose head offices are located nearby. Other flags are unique and were added following an art concours.

The Christmas tree is installed at street level behind the statue of Prometheus, which gives a grandiose and supernatural appearance to the site. It was from the beginning of construction, December 1931, that the first fir tree appeared on the site. A little skinny, the tree is nevertheless very appreciated in a difficult economic context. Today, from its height of 23 meters (70ft), the tree is no longer the same with its 50,000 lights and its rich decorations. Since 2007, instead of being recycled, the tree has been given to Habitat for Humanity so that the wood can be used to build one of their houses.

On the island of Manhattan, there are a few options for viewing the city from above. One of them is Top of the Rock, which is located on the 70th floor of the tallest building of the Rockefeller Center. In all honesty, I haven’t been there so it’s difficult for me to compare. The view from the Empire State Building is said to be spectacular.

Comcast building (GE building) is the one with the portal that carries the following message: Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times. The facade of 30 Rockefeller Plaza also has works depicting sound and light. This is where NBC broadcasts and the Tonight Show are recorded. If you have the chance, go in to view the mural by Josep Maria Sert which pays a tribute to progress.

Between the British Empire Building and the French House, before arriving at the Lower Plaza from Fifth Avenue, there is a promenade whose central part is a series of low cascades called Channel Gardens which is decorated according to the time of the year and the chosen theme. This urban space could be a place to relax in a constantly moving environment. However, there is often a lot of traffic. Good luck getting some real rest.

Because we are naturally drawn to Channel Gardens when approaching from south of Fifth Avenue, you may pass by the Atlas sculpture. The latter is in the construction opposite Saint-Patrick’s Cathedral. Make the detour, before or after, it’s worth it.

Another popular venue part of the Rockefeller Center is the renowned Radio City Music Hall where the world-famous Rockettes have their headquarters. Sometimes we think everything is simple and easy. Here we have a great example of strategic commercial adaptation. Who would have known that the opening night and the first weeks following the opening were disastrous? The launch event was so long that several artists, spectators and journalists left before the end due to the prolonged hours of presentation which lasted until the early hours of the morning. Despite an unparalleled location and even though the auditorium was then the largest in the world with its four floors, criticism came from all sides to the point of reorienting the business plan after two weeks of opening. This decision, which was certainly difficult, but reassuring to the promoters, favored the cinema industry over the theater market. Radio City Music Hall (RCMH) became the venue for film premieres. The stage shows were less important but quietly integrated in parallel. Major events such as the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, the MTV Music Award are some examples of large-scale ceremonies in addition to concerts that have been presented there. They still host university graduation ceremonies, even during our visit. What a prolific turnaround, proof that we must continually adapt to obstacles.

Also, we must not forget the performances of the Rockettes who, with their fame of synchronized high kicks, have been offering spectacular dance choreographies since 1932 at Radio City Music Hall. The Christmas special is especially popular.

Please note that there are guided tours of the Rockefeller Center available on request if you are interested. The site is connected underground and ultimately to the metro system. Since 2001, interests in the site have passed to Tishman Speyer.

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