Rockefeller Center tour
1 / 5
Rockefeller Center - by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni on Unsplash
Description
Rockefeller Center is a large complex of commercial buildings (offices mostly) covering a block between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, in Manhattan. It was commissioned by the Rockefeller family and is known for its Art Deco buildings, its yearly Christmas Tree and ice rink, and its various sculptures such as that of the bronze gilded Prometheus and the titan Atlas supporting the celestial vault on his shoulders. The complex management organizes daily tour lasting 75mins and focusing on the art and architecture found there.
Access & Transport
The main entrance of the building is on 50th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) The '47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr' station (B, D, F, M) and '5 Avenue-53 St Station' (E, M) are both a couple of mins' walk away. There are also bus stops next to it on 5th Ave
Instructions & Recommendations
The tour is available in English only
Environmental & Social
The tour itself is environmentally neutral but the complex certainly is not. Helps appreciate the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The Rockefeller Center has a certain mystic about it but barring the Christmas apparatus (ice rink and tree), we are not convinced its fame is deserved. Granted the sculptures give it an air of grandeur, but it feels more like an ode to capitalism and material wealth than architecture and art. The tour is fine but poor value.
Key positive
Opportunity to learn more about the complex history and its art
Good guides
Key negative
Severe and often bland architectural lines
Expensive tour
Suitability
Accessible and best for adults and children > 12yrs
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Monday09:45 - 18:15
Tuesday09:45 - 18:15
Wednesday09:45 - 18:15
Thursday09:45 - 18:15
Friday09:45 - 18:15
Saturday09:45 - 18:15
Sunday09:45 - 18:15