Rockefeller Center

Welcome to Rockefeller Center, the grandest plaza in New York City

For our "R" post of A to Z Blogging Challenge we're going to one of the most iconic sites in Manhattan, Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center was John D. Rockefeller's legacy to New York City. Completed in May, 1933 the immense project employed over 40,000 people during its construction, which was a major source of employment at the depth of the Depression. The legendary Christmas Tree Tradition began in 1931 and the icing skating rink opened in 1936. 

Prometheus stands guard over the icing skating rink. The statue is the work of the American sculptor, Paul Manship. One of the aspects of Rockefeller Center that deserves its own post is the range of sculpture, mosaic and murals that are a large part of the complex. Prometheus is only one very small -- but outstanding -- part of the art collection found here.  

I love the topiary rabbits in the spring, the chrysanthemum displays in the fall and the Christmas decorations at the end of the year. My first job in New York was two blocks away and I was a frequent visitor during my lunch hours.
 

The NBC Studios are located in Rockefeller Center.

 

A theater was planned as part of Rockefeller Center. However, the theater was conceived as one like no other in the world. The new radio company, RCA (Radio Corporation of America) joined with Rockefeller and Samuel Roxy Rothafel, who had previously opened the Roxy Theater to create what would become a legendary attraction.      

The 6,000 seat art deco Radio City Music Hall opened in December 1932. In January 1933 the format of a movie and a stage show with the Rockettes was adopted. I have wonderful memories of visiting New York with my parents. My big treat was lunch at the automat and seeing a movie and the show at Radio City.   

It's very soon to be April 27 and despite my good intentions it's highly unlikely I will finish the A to Z Blogging Challenge in April. I will post some of the last eight letters of the alphabet in April, but the remainder of posts will be published in May. For anyone keeping track, that includes the missing "H."

Our next stop will be the newest subway stations in the system, the Second Avenue subway. I hope you will join us for the most artistic ride in the city.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!