Rockefeller Center Explored & Explained | Walking Tour | Architectural Digest

Today on AD, architect Adam Rolston takes us on an insightful walking tour of Rockefeller Center, exploring the history and details of New York City's most famous holiday season destination. From the history behind the towering art deco 30 Rockefeller Plaza to the iconic ice skating rink and smaller details you may not be aware of, come along as Adam explores and explains everything there is to know about Rockefeller Plaza.
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
Editor: Tristen Rogers
Talent: Adam Rolston
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Producer: Skylar Economy
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Audio: Gabe Quiroga
Production Assistant: Francis McNeal
Production Assistant: Patrick Sargent
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Graphics Supervisor: Ryan Powell
Graphics, Animation, VFX: Fintan Rowan Mason
Special Thanks: Kate Blumm
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[@fredzeller2768]

Love this all too short video. I’ve spent nearly 43 years calling this my workplace. I’ve watched it evolve yet stay very much the same . Enjoying the new concourse downstairs. Proud to work in the place where both radio AND television were created and continue to be a major production facility. To this day I enjoy engaging tourists and showing them the Cert mural on the ceiling in the lobby and how it completely “moves” if you look from the south and then from the northern perspective. It never fails to impress. Thank you again for this post!

[@brmnyc]

When I was a child they offered tours of Rockefeller Center, and the tourguide showed us both the southern and northern perspectives and how the mural "moves" as you describe. It is meant to show how time (the figure holding the hourglass) is always moving, slipping away from you.

[@raylaskey4900]

The stage of the music hall represents the sunse4t over the Atlantic? Near trick -- the sun RISES over the Atlantic! It sets over the Pacific.

[@briansomething5987]

@@raylaskey4900 If you're travelling on the Atlantic (which is what he said) the sun sets (and rises) over the Atlantic.

[@Debssssss]

Wow !! Thanks for this comment Fred ❤lucky you ,glad you had the blessing for working at this marvelous place 😊

[@akadroopy1]

@@raylaskey4900 some parts of long island will allow you a view of the sun setting over the atlantic

[@nerd26373]

The Rockefeller Center looks thoroughly amazing. We all hope to see more content like this. Happy Holidays.

[@ceooflonelinessinc.267]

How old are you?

[@andrijherasymenko]

Happy holidays to you too!

[@sandyrose2398]

I grew up in NYC/Brooklyn in the 1940s thru 1966 - when I moved to southern Calif. The 2 things I missed the most were Radio City Music Hall and the Roseland Ballroom. My friends or family went to Radio City a few times a year - and always to see the Christmas Show (and it was inexpensive.) I loved dancing at the Roseland - there were 2 great bands - one American and the other Latin. On 2 sides of the dance floor (which was huge) were movie-style seating. Also just a few dollars to go in. In 1964 I took a friend there and she met her husband - and many other couples met there. Thanks for the Memory!!!!

[@raymondpurwanto6191]

I really enjoyed the walkthrough!

[@Jiffypop]

I have been to Rockefeller Center countless times and have never really SEEN it. Next time I’m in town, I will be booking a tour of this marvelous creation. Thank you for opening my eyes!

[@leslieseale9761]

Great presentation. As a NY native Rockefeller Center was a place of grandeur and art. I hadn’t realized the extent of the upper gardens until visiting a friends office years ago As you mentioned the lower level surrounding the ice rink had been restaurants. It appears your firm created a common hall around the rink placing the restaurants off the hall. I always had difficulty finding my way around that concourse level. Will definitely visit. It would have been interesting to see a map of that level as well. Thank you for this great tour and your work on this incredible complex.

[@jayare6804]

Wonderful tour and architecture. More like this!

[@CrunchyDonut]

i like how constrained himself by not explaining too much detail so more layman people like me can understand it. especially that part when he was explaining about the rooftop garden.

[@can72287]

100 years later still unmatched. I mean no one has been able to match the architectural and planning masterpiece that is the Rockefeller Center complex. The definition of timeless.

[@paulsawczyc5019]

It would cost too much - and maybe it would be considered "racist".

[@stefanoc.k.k1159]

@@paulsawczyc5019 Why racist ?

[@paulsawczyc5019]

@@stefanoc.k.k1159 All those buildings were designed by white guys - so it's "white" architecture.

[@stefanoc.k.k1159]

@@paulsawczyc5019 not all white people are racist.

[@paulsawczyc5019]

@@stefanoc.k.k1159 Yes, you are correct - I would say that very few of them are.

[@LoriM222]

Awesome video of one of my favorite places!! I'm a Native NY born and raised and there's so much to appreciate about NYC!!

[@mysigt_]

Fantastic! Finally something a return to something that isn’t “I’m a celebrity, look at my conspicuous wealth, but I’m also relatable”

[@PeterEconomy]

Wow! Gonna take a MUCH closer look next I’m there! Great architect, great video!

[@whotomkenna]

Can’t get over how nice this dudes coat is

[@evan_delmar]

Honestly, at the end of this video not to be dramatic 😏, but it brought me bit to tears because I was filled with such gratitude and new love for the arts and aesthetic + traditions. During the pandemic I watched your videos because they were a bit of my only source to the outside, it was sort of like reading a book. Something I was very much in need of so thank you for providing such a wonderful space and a very educational space.

[@EmilianaCosta]

Never imagine that the Rockefeller Center was massive 😮

[@iafayaz]

So wonderfully explained! Fosters a renewed appreciation of the space that is The Rockefeller Center.

[@melanierosalez6989]

AD: I'm really enjoying this series! Thanks!

[@brmnyc]

In the late '70s Radio City Music Hall was under threat of being closed and demolished to be converted into more office space. Thank God the preservationists went into overdrive and was able to get the New York Landmarks Commission to designate the interior a landmark, despite objections of the owner.

[@Arkelk2010]

In 1977 or 1978 I went to see what was going to be the final set of shows at Radio City. Back then they kept the original plan of alternating a movie and the Rockettes. The movie was pretty lackluster, but everyone paid attention to the Rockettes!

[@darryljorden9177]

Too bad they weren't around to save its magnificent sister theater, the RKO, which was demolished in 1954.

[@matthewcole4753]

Just saw the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City, and Rockefeller Center has to be my favorite spot in Manhattan, every person can come together in that one place and experience it, take in the art, the entertainment, and the whole atmosphere. It's perhaps the greatest collection of Art Deco Architecture anywhere on this planet, even Miami because of the scale of talent that went into designing every detail in this monumental complex.

[@presspound7358]

When wealth intersects knowledge, culture and achievement….the resulting product is classical and enduring. Behold a worthy icon of the American Century. Thanks for this condensed whirlwind tour. 🥇🏆 🇨🇦

[@architecturecodex9818]

Most modernist architects would want to control all the aesthetics. I applaud the way the architects created spaces and surfaces for art done by others.

[@UganWopla]

They should also do Chrysler building

[@adrianalara8464]

I need a 1 hour long video of this

[@janicerivera5570]

This is a fantastic tour!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful building there in New York.. Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Years.

[@RandomnessTube.]

The quality in that building is amazing and built to last.

[@TheNoerdy]

This is an awesome video. Please do more NYC architecture!

[@jengirl2]

The 30 Rock Lobby…gorgeous!! And all of the art around the area…fantastic. I need to visit. Great tour!

[@silviathomas3224]

I have always wanted to visit New York and did in 2012. However, this video has opened up so many more places and features that I missed on my first visit. An enthralling insight. Thanks from country Australia.

[@tinajoselyn2545]

Please add more!! My dear friend was born in 1939 in New York. We watch your videos. He worked for NBC News before moving to California to become a Producer of television commercials. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton.

[@naota3k]

3:06 this is the most Art Deco thing I've ever seen and I absolutely love it. EDIT: Oh my god, once they go inside...

[@DennisDegan]

This was fantastic! But it was too brief; I wanted to see more of this historic place, especially since there is so much more to see! For 15 years, I worked in 30 Rock at NBC and loved the experience of Rockefeller Center.

[@choley8953]

Yay!! I’ve been waiting to see if AD will do another “every detail” video but this scratches the itch!

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

Not so obvious at first glance, but John D. Rockefeller, Jr. actually created the country's first shopping mall via Rockefeller Center! Prior to this, folks had to shop at their nearest grocery store. Here, you had a whole array of dry goods and hardware being sold within a 5 block radius!

[@irenewoosey4931]

Fab....my Favourite Building in NYC.... need to come visit again so much insight in this video...Thanks 😊

[@vsmochent]

So many films shooting at Rockefeller center ice rink! So amazing! 🥰

[@bngr_bngr]

Loved living as a child in NYC but my parents moved to warmer weather in California. I’ve visited the city several times as an adult. Maybe it’s a reason why I love the varies Law & Order series. It’s takes me back to all the possibilities of the big city.

[@xvsj5833]

Fabulous architecture ❤ thank you for the tour 🎄👏👏👏

[@carolinejohnson22]

The buildings are works of art ♥️🇬🇧

[@knockshinnoch1950]

I have visited the Rockefeller Center twice on my two trips to New York. It is an architectural masterpiece that frustratingly is mostly overlooked in favour of the more famous Grand Central Station, Chrysler and Empire State buildings. The buildings that comprise the complex are each beautifully detailed. The sculpture murals and interior art works are some of the best examples of the Art Deco period. A terrific video presentation.

[@fransirahome]

Thanks for this tour, so wonderful. Fabulous architecture.

[@myvettebeauty9005]

I used to work there. My first job after moving to nyc for an internship. I was working at EBONY magazine and it just felt like magic at fist working there. Like the epitome of NYC, esp for a girl like me from Maryland. I don’t ever want to work in Manhattan again lol, but I do miss those days. Such memories.

[@jrome1]

I work at NBCU high up in 30 rock. Love learning more about my office building and surrounding areas!

[@shannono8397]

This was such a great video, I'm so pleased it came across to watch!! Thank you for such a nice tour, with architecture details....I am so sad I missed this on my 1 visit to NYC. However, glad now...because when I return I will know all about it. I am floored at the art and sculptures, WOW!!!!

[@robertbl7500]

Hi 👋 Thank you so much Adam!! Wonderful information!! ✌️

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

Great video. Thank you so much for sharing. I ❤ NY.

[@cirrus070]

I Love You NYC never change.

[@felipeiglesias]

By far one of the most interesting buildings in NYC. Radio Music Hall is a fantastic example of Art Deco and all the sculptures around the building are super well done. A very solid piece of architecture and art.

[@alexliberti9679]

The architect forgot to mention that the original paintings in the lobby of 30 rock were painted by Diego Rivera. It was taken down by one of the Rockefeller’s because the paintings had people like Karl Marx and Lenin which was supposed to symbolize the working class

[@Shahrdad]

There were also plans to put Metropolitan Opera House there, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. The designs for it look fantastic and much better than what was later built. The Rockettes aren't originally from NYC but started in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1925 and performed at the Missouri Theater on Grand Ave under the name of the Missouri Rockets (the building stands, but the theater inside is gone). After the move to NYC they became the Roxyettes and later on the Rockettes.

[@theophaneantipater6333]

Nice presentation of the Rockfeller building ! Love the piano music. The past is often a good inspiration for the futur ...

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

The past is the inspiration for the future, modern day sucks at doing their own thing..they just copy ideas from the past, take their hard work blueprints, and present it as their own idea to upstage them for no reason but past spite.

[@djlondon7956]

Absolutely great! I know I'm going to watch this several times over there's so much beauty to see. Wonderful synopsis.

[@sherriianiro747]

From an outsider point of view I am blown away by the complex layering of these buildings! I am in the field but never knew of Rockefellers contribution to the attention to detail and how everything melds so smoothly. Got your magazine for years in retail - excellent job, now I want to go there too!

[@brianalucinda4102]

Live for these!! Please make more! 🤍

[@GlitterSparkly]

Thank you for this! Absolutely fascinating.

[@plumeretbonnet]

Great Tour, thank you.

[@BGPhilbin]

Really enjoyed this video - nicely done, but way too short. Adam did a masterful job of narrating and explaining most everything we see in the video. Great commentary on the Art Deco aspects of not only the entire site, but particularly the Lower Level Concourse - I appreciate the detail that was put into its renovation, as I absolutely adore Art Deco as a style. My mother's side of the family owned a few Louis Icart hand colored etchings that really spoke to the movement and every time I see an architectural piece that incorporates it, it simply fills me with wonder. My favorite building in Manhattan has always been the Chrysler building (the Flatiron is also a heavy favorite). However, I had not really toured Rockefeller Center when I visited Manhattan in my youth. Adam's tour educated me to understand that this huge center certainly deserves a place right next to the Chrysler. Thank you.

[@carlomoiola8544]

Very interesting ! Congratulations! Thanks from Italy

[@simple_naildesigns]

Thank you for the tour!

[@Charles-xh2cn]

Amazing video! So insightful and interesting. Would love to see more videos like this.

[@janetlewis8038]

This was great!

[@thefaceofthecentury]

Really wonderful presentation! Thank you!

[@luis_zuniga]

Fantastic video, I learned so much :)

[@robertdufour2456]

Amazing! Thank you very much!

[@ericp8428]

This was a great piece. Thank you for sharing.

[@tawhalerobertson1015]

Thank you to you and your entire team for an interesting and informative tour of a beautiful place, I feel like I have been there in person, thank you so much again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...🎄

[@JMailyn]

So interesting! Thankyou!❤

[@elinorwright7044]

Enjoyed the tour. Been there but this was great!

[@blackcatplaypompeii529]

Beyond superb

[@dougm2174]

great vid. thanks

[@danielschiavo5371]

The facade of Rockefeller Center reminds me of Kavanagh Building in the city of Buenos Aires. Both were built in the same period.

[@joepphoto]

This was amazing.

[@lacharpie]

Wonderful video. I loved it

[@BradThePitts]

New York native here, and I did not know the most of this. Brilliant video!

[@samueljaramillo4221]

Great video of these great buildings.

[@CapitalJ25]

Fabulous video!

[@larrygrimaldi1400]

Great! I worked in 30 Rock for years, we always took it for granted, but it is kept beautifully, and you showed that!

[@natalieeis9284]

I really enjoyed this tour. Fascinating. I wish I could see it in person, but that most likely will never happen.

[@kathleenweinberg6442]

There are some large beautiful buildings happy holiday to everyone

[@elenpassos5944]

AMAZING. 👑

[@drakewauters2109]

Was in the lower level in April. Very thoughtful and graceful.

[@jimconstantine5807]

Thanks for your tour of Rockefeller Center. I remember loving it as a child, and you hit all my favorite spots. You also let us all discover a few more. Maybe you could do another video on the interior of Radio City. I’d love to see more of it, as well as a discussion of the Rainbow Room and the observation deck. Thanks again.

[@matveistanonis2805]

An excellent presentation- I’m not sure if Prometheus is the most photographed sculpture in NYC though… another Lady comes to mind!

[@echognomecal6742]

9:47 That rivet is really something! What a curiosity! Is there arrogance there? What was the thinking? Idk, but it seems pretty unique to me. If I get the chance, I'd actually like to take a peep at it lol Hopefully I'll some day have enough time in NYC to go look around at some of these things I missed when living in the boroughs. If you know you're going to move, do some research & ask around: What should I see & do before I go? Too often, you don't get a 2nd chance!

[@plumeretbonnet]

all my memories as a young traveller to NYC are hooked on to Rockefeller Centre. Mother wherever you are in the Universe, we'll always meet at Rockefeller 30 Plaza.

[@pyrodoll2422]

Thank you so much.

[@philipburton9518]

Gorgeous video, but "sunset over the Atlantic?" Never have seen that. Wonderful, consice narration.

[@mompreneurlife]

❤what a beautiful place. we visited during christmas. it's a magical place.❤

[@yukie_tn]

Oh, so you guys are the ones doing all the renovation in the concourse. I've worked in these buildings for 10+ years now and knew my way around all the "secret" passages and hidden entrances. Coming back from the pandemic, the concourse really changed with areas closed off and I had to learn some of the area again.

[@benvenuti_Moscow_walks]

It was interesting 😊

[@smelo772]

Thank you!

[@wytube2009]

thank you

[@rucktimi8318]

Good planning

[@starkparker16]

Great video

[@JuanSebastianTorresFigueroa]

nice tour ;)

[@brickitect420]

Trixie and Katya performed their show at the radio city music hall during their tour earlier this year, and they sold. her. out. Packed! Proud of them, they earned it. They performed in a building that in it of itself is as much of a work of art as their stupid youtube show lol

[@mickanvonfootscraymarket5520]

always my go to building for a bathroom break when I'm in Manhattan

[@msroseydaniel777]

Been there twice ❤️

[@larry3591]

Awsome

[@kellyheighway5411]

From the UK I've watched many movies & TV shows based in new york & from this documentary, I notice from your camera view with the tree very much like tim burton's movie of the 1992's batman return with the city xmas tree lights, also in home alone 2 they shot the scene when Catherine O'Hara finds Kevin where you were standing, so I think home alone 2 on the sight where you are has made the area more popular for visitors.