Radio City Music Hall

Profile

Since opening in December 1932, this world-renowned entertainment temple has attracted more than 300 million visitors. One of the definitive New York landmarks, Radio City Music Hall was born out of a bold gamble by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and the Radio Corporation of America (owners of NBC radio and RKO studios) who believed that a building complex of spectacular proportions would energize a struggling area of the city. More than 80 years later, Radio City’s annual Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes—which has sold out every year since it began in 1933—draws over one million people. The tourist-bait New York Spring Spectacular, which premiered in March 2015, aims to do the same. Additional headliners have included Madonna, Elton John, the Dave Matthews Band, Aretha Franklin, Gipsy Kings and Bette Midler, to name but a few. The theater has also premiered some of the most lauded movies of all time, such as the original King Kong, To Kill a Mockingbird (starring a former Radio City Usher, Gregory Peck), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and The Lion King. Even for those who don’t make it to a show, the theater’s sweeping external Art Deco design (restored in 1999) is still a sight to behold. — Mike Sanfilippo

If it isn’t possible to get a ticket to a concert, Radio City Music Hall offers a 75-minute tour, which highlights the Art Deco interior. Some highlights are the eight original lounges designed by Donald Desky that have been restored to their former splendor, and the Grand Foyer. Tours depart every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $24, $18 for seniors, $17 for children ages 6–12, free for children 5 and under.