30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, New York, 10112

30 Rockefeller Plaza

Completed in 1933, 30 Rockefeller Plaza is a 66-story Art Deco skyscraper designed by Raymond Hood as the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center. Its limestone façade, recessed central tower, and rich sculptural detailing reflect the aesthetics of its era. It originally housed RCA headquarters, then GE, and now Comcast on the lower floors, alongside the iconic Rainbow Room and NBC studios.

The building is also renowned for Top of the Rock, a three-level observatory spanning floors 67–70, offering panoramic views in all directions. The complex’s public spaces—including ice rink, plazas, and art installations—make it a vibrant cultural hub beneath its soaring tower .

Interesting Facts

  • Originally RCA Building (1933–1988), then GE Building until 2015, and now the Comcast Building.

  • Home to the Rainbow Room, a legendary Art Deco rooftop restaurant and event venue, opened in 1934.

  • Sculptures by Lee Lawrie, including Wisdom, and iconic Prometheus by Paul Manship above the sunken plaza.

  • Features NBC studios and rotunda restored to 1930s era, now used for Saturday Night Live and other productions.

  • Entire building and lobby designated NYC landmarks (1985) and listed in the National Register (1987).

Photos:

30 Rockefeller Plaza
30 Rockefeller Plaza
30 Rockefeller Plaza
30 Rockefeller Plaza

Map:

Category: Traditional Column Architecture
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
10112
Place Name: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (formerly RCA/GE/Comcast Building)
Architectural Style: characterized by limestone cladding, aluminum spandrels, tiered setbacks, sculptural reliefs, and vertical emphasis
Official website
Fees:

  • Top of the Rock tickets: starting around $43 for general admission (2025 rate).

  • Rainbow Room and NBC studio access require reservations or special ticketed events.

  • Public plaza, art installations, and lower-level passageways are free to walk through anytime.

Pets Policy:

  • No pets allowed inside building or plaza areas, except certified service animals per ADA rules.

  • Rockefeller Center Plaza is public sidewalk space—general NYC leash laws apply.

Amenities:

  • Top of the Rock observatory: three-level indoor/outdoor decks with sweeping views and telescopes.

  • Ice rink & sunken plaza: seasonal ice skating, fountains, seating, and retail kiosks .

  • Retail & Dining: shops, cafés, dining options around and beneath the building.

  • Rainbow Room: elegant event venue with ballroom, revolving dance floor, and outdoor terrace.

  • Public art: Prometheus, Wisdom, Atlas, murals, reliefs, rotating sculptures.

  • Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout public spaces and observatory.

  • Rock Center Tours: guided architectural and art tours offered by RCC, including seasonal and holiday-focused routes .

Image Attributions:

User:JeremyA, NBC Tower 070723, CC BY-SA 2.5

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_Rockefeller_Plaza#/media/File:30_Rockefeller_Plaza_viewed_from_5th_Avenue,_August_29,_2024_(cropped).jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_Rockefeller_Plaza#/media/File:GE_Building_Oct_2005.jpg

David Shankbone creator QS:P170,Q12899557, GE Building by David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0