Rockefeller Center history: Unveiling the story behind the landmark

The Rockefeller Center in New York City is a fascinating 22-acre masterpiece inspired by John D. Rockefeller’s vision to create another city within a city. The perfect blend of low and high-rise buildings coupled with the dazzling array of sculptures, carvings, and architectural styles make it one of the most iconic attractions in New York City. 

Timeline

• Oct 1, 1928: John D. Rockefeller leases the land from Columbia University to construct the Rockefeller Center. 
• Dec 1931: The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is placed – a tradition that would go on to become an annual tradition from 1933. 
• Mar 1932: Construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza begins alongside the construction of Radio City Music Hall. 
• Oct 1934: The 65-story restaurant Rainbow Room is inaugurated, the highest restaurant in the U.S. at the time. 
• Dec 25, 1936: Construction of the skating pond inside the Rockefeller Center is eventually completed. 
• Nov 1, 1939: Construction of Rockefeller Center is complete. 
• 1961-1970: A shelter program was launched during the Cold War, and supplies were stocked in Rockefeller Center’s basements. 
• 1985: The Rockefeller Center officially gains New York City landmark status. 
• 1987: An important year in Rockefeller Center History as the attraction becomes a National Historic Landmark. 
• 1996: Four well-known private investors and Tishman Speyer acquire the Rockefeller Center as it struggles with bankruptcy.
• Nov 1, 2005: Top of the World Observation Deck, which opened to the public in 1933 reopens after two decades.

History of the Rockefeller Center

Columbia University leases land in 1928

The three square blocks that the Rockefeller Center is spread across, surrounded by 48th and 51st Streets, Sixth Avenue, and Fifth Avenue, were leased by Columbia University to John D. Rockefeller in 1928, for 87 years. 

Construction begins in 1931

One of the most important years in the history of the Rockefeller Center is 1931 when the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza began. This happened alongside the construction of Radio City Music Hall, which eventually opened its doors on December 27, 1932. 

Inauguration of Rainbow Room

The Rainbow Room, one of New York’s finest restaurants, opened on October 3, 1934. Located on the 65th floor, this was once the highest-elevated restaurant in the entire country. Even today, the Rainbow Room is a top-rated restaurant offering a top-notch dining experience against Manhattan’s majestic skyline. 

Construction of the Rockefeller Center finishes

The original Rockefeller Center complex’s construction was marked officially complete when John D. Rockefeller placed the final rivet on November 1, 1939. It took around seven years and 40,000 people to achieve this feat – the successful completion of the largest private building in modern times. 

Two important milestones

An important milestone in the Rockefeller Center’s history, the venue received the NYC Landmark status in 1985. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark two years later in 1987.