Sparking the imagination

John D. Rockefeller Jr's vision was for Rockefeller Center to be a place where New Yorkers could come and surround themselves with art and motifs that celebrated the best of the human spirit. Today, his vision has been spectacularly realized, giving you the opportunity to come visit and discover and be inspired by it all, from outdoor art installations to historic public art.

Art deco relief sculpture above 50 Rockefeller Plaza entrance

"News" at 50 Rock Plaza

Black and white photo of artist wearing goggles sculpting metal works

Noguchi works on "News"-1938

Art at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a masterpiece of composition. The varied public art collection of murals, reliefs, sculptures, carving, architectural styles, and modern-day installations provides endless opportunities to explore, stop and reflect, and appreciate the beauty and creativity that surrounds you.

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Close-up of Intelligence Awakening mosaic

Photograph of Winged Mercury relief from Channel Gardens of 620 Fifth Avenue

Featured Works

Over one million small glass tiles in over 250 colors make up this mosaic depicting the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. Each tile was hand-cut and hand-set to create this incredible work that resides in the loggia of 1250 Avenue of the Americas.

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Paul Manship's "Prometheus"

Photograph of flags created by people around the world flying over the Rink.

A series of photos by the photographer Genevieve Gaignard

Photograph of an art instructor working with a child on their drawing

Public Art Program

In 2020, to celebrate the spirit of this city and the world, we asked everyone, including famous designers and artists, to create and submit flag designs to be flown around the flagpoles that surround The Rink. Each year, the crowd-sourced exhibition has invited the public to submit art in various mediums for consideration to be displayed in one of the most recognized public spaces in the city.

History

Over 100 years ago, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had a vision to create a “city within a city,” and the story of how Rockefeller Center came to be is a fascinating one.

Oct. 1, 1928

John D. Rockefeller leases land from Columbia University for the future site of Rockefeller Center. The land covered nearly all of the area in the three square blocks bordered by Fifth Avenue, the Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue), and 48th and 51st Streets.

Dec. 1931

The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. During the Great Depression, workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money to purchase the original Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a 20-foot balsam fir, adorned it with home-made garlands, and stood it at the Rockefeller Center construction site as a symbol of hope and optimism. Two years later, in 1933, Rockefeller Center made the tree an annual tradition.

Mar. 1932

Construction begins at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Construction on Radio City Music Hall was also underway.

Construction at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and Radio City Music Hall

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Rockefeller Center Tour

Get a unique look at a place unlike any other. Learn about Rockefeller Center’s historic landmarks, architecture, art, and more.

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Events

Public Art

Art in Focus

Mar 23—Jun 30Rockefeller CenterFree and open to the public

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smiling woman with wishing well art installation

Public Art

Art in Focus

Mar 23Rockefeller Center

Sponsorship Opportunities

Be seen. Rockefeller Center offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities that provide the exposure brands are looking for.

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