Rockefeller Center Tour

On the Rockefeller Center Tour, you will learn about the history, the many works of art and the interesting architecture of this building complex. Together with the guide, you will discover Rockefeller Center and its 19 buildings; some of which are more famous than others, though each has its own unique story. During the tour, you will enter some of Rockefeller’s buildings and also walk around outside.

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Eric's Index

1 Rockefeller Center Tour in New York
2 Inside
3 Outside
- 3.1 Practical Information

Rockefeller Center Tour in New York

The Rockefeller Center Tour is for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, art and architecture of the Rockefeller Center. For example, in the 1930s, buildings were named depending on the tenant. Different countries were approached for this, making it home to the British Empire Building and La Maison Francaise, with The Channel Gardens representing the English Channel. I won’t tell you too many of the facts I heard during the tour because you should definitely go, and I don’t want to spoil it for you!

Inside

The tour starts inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the building where the entrance to Top of the Rock begins. This also makes the tour easy to combine with a visit to the observation deck. From here, you will walk with your guide to various points of interest both inside and outside.

Eric’s Tip: “If you have a New York Pass, you can do this tour and visit Top of the Rock for free. Come in the morning and show your discount pass at the ticket office, where you can also get tickets for Top of the Rock. Ask about the tour and choose the time that suits you best. You can choose whether you take the tour or visit the observation deck first.”

Your guide will tell you about the art on display in and on the various buildings. John D. Rockefeller Jr, the founder of the Rockefeller Center, was not a big fan of art. His wife, on the other hand, was and thus took it upon herself to add art to the complex, resulting in the impressive works of art still found throughout Rockefeller Center today.

Outside

Outside, you’ll pass by Radio City Music Hall and a speakeasy (a secret bar that you don’t go into but can visit after the tour), among other things. You will also see several works of art that you might not have noticed otherwise.