The Radio City Music Hall has long stood as a symbol of optimism and entertainment. In 1929, after the crash of the stock market, the future of a piece of property owned by a Mr. John D. Rockefeller was in jeopardy. Plans had been in place to construct a new Metropolitan Opera House on the midtown Manhattan site, but it looked as though that dream would never become a reality due to the failing economy. Against all odds, Rockefeller made a decision so bold, it changed the very fabric of New York life forever! Instead of rebuilding a new Metropolitan Opera House, Rockefeller decided to build an entire complex of superior buildings, impacting both the architectural and cultural New York landscape.
Rockefeller partnered with the Radio Corporation of America, which at this time was a young company backing a relatively unheard of station, NBC. Rockefeller’s financial power along with RCA’s media might and dedicated audience soon combined with S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel , a theatrical genius and innovative designer. It wasn’t long before history was made, and the Rockefeller Center, along with the Radio City Music Hall was constructed and unveiled to the world!
Since its grand opening, over 300 million people have come to the Music Hall to enjoy a wide variety of stage shows, including movies and concerts, along with theatrical performances and special events. The Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theater in the world; when you’re driving past the marquee in your New York car rental be sure to take a long look – the sign is an entire city-block long! There are no bad seats in the Music Hall due to the innovative architectural design and amazing acoustics of the building. Many of the original mechanisms installed in the Music Hall are still be used today to produce fountains of water, torrents of rain, clouds and even fog!
The Radio City Music Hall is known to attract some big name stars from the likes of entertainment, sports, media and national life. Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Liberance, Bill Cosby, 98 Degrees, Barry Manilow and the Radio City Rockettes are just a few! The Radio City Music Hall has also had the opportunity to host the Grammy’s, the Tony’s, the MTV Video Music Awards and the ESPY Awards. A visit to New York wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Rockefeller Center so gas up the New York car rental and head over. While you’re there be sure to take a tour of one of the modern wonders of the world and imagine what it would be like to step out on the Great Stage of the Radio City Music Hall!
The Radio City “Stage Door Tour” is a brand new one hour walking tour of the interior of the Music Hall. During the tour you will see the Great Stage, the Art Deco Design, the original Wurlitzer organ (which was specially built for the Hall), and the Radio City Avenue store. Ticket prices range from $10 to $17 and are held from 11AM to 3PM.
The Radio City Music Hall is located on 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Street. Parking for your New York car rental is provided by six parking garages, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a spot! If you would like to order tickets for an upcoming performance at the Radio City Music Hall during your trip to the Big Apple call ticketmaster at 212-307-7171. Tickets can be picked-up at the Radio City Box Office, located a short New York car rental drive away at 1260 Avenue of the Americas.
Taking in a show at the Radio City Music Hall is an experience like no other, so don’t delay and book your tickets today! Acts coming to the Music Hall in the upcoming months include Riverdance, Jill Scott, Yiannis Ploutarhos and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.