Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall, located at 1260 Sixth Avenue in the heart of Rockefeller Center, is one of New York City’s most iconic entertainment venues. Opened in 1932, this Art Deco masterpiece was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone and interior designer Donald Deskey. With nearly 6,000 seats, it remains the largest indoor theater in the world. Known as the “Showplace of the Nation,” it has hosted legendary performers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, and world-class events including the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards. Its most beloved tradition is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the world-famous Rockettes. Visitors can also take the Stage Door Tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its stunning architecture, the Great Stage, and even a meet-and-greet with a Rockette. With dazzling design, rich history, and cutting-edge technology, Radio City Music Hall offers an unforgettable experience that blends timeless grandeur with modern entertainment.

 

Top Tips

 

Book in Advance

Shows and tours (especially the Christmas Spectacular) sell out quickly. It is a good idea to reserve Radio City tickets early on their official website.

 

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 60 minutes before showtime to allow for security screening, finding your seat, and exploring the lobby. For tours, arrive 10–15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time.

 

Take the Stage Door Tour

A must for architecture and theater lovers — includes backstage access and a meet-and-greet with a Rockette.

 

Photos

Photography is allowed in the public areas, but usually not during performances.

 

How to Get There

Radio City Hall is located at 1260 Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue), New York, NY 10020, in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Here’s how you can get there:

 

By Subway:

Take the B, D, F, or M train to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center Station
→ The station exits right near the venue’s entrance.

 

By Foot:

Walkable from Times Square (7–10 mins) and Central Park South (10–15 mins).

 

By Bus:

M5, M7, M50, and M104 buses all stop within a few blocks of the venue.

 

Best Time to Visit

Holiday Magic (November–Early January)

The holiday season is an ideal time to visit Radio Music Hall, especially for first-time visitors, families, and holiday lovers. The must-see Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes delivers dazzling performances and festive cheer, making it a timeless New York tradition. Just outside, Rockefeller Center comes alive with holiday magic—featuring the iconic Christmas tree, sparkling lights, and the famous ice-skating rink. It’s a picture-perfect winter experience. Be sure to book radio city music hall tickets early, as shows sell out quickly and crowds are at their peak during this popular season.

 

Concerts & Events (Spring & Fall)

The spring and fall months—typically March to June and September to November—are perfect for music lovers, comedy fans, and award show enthusiasts. During these seasons, Radio City Music Hall often hosts big-name performers and major televised events like the Tony Awards and ESPYs. With fewer tourists compared to the busy holiday period, visitors can enjoy a broader range of shows and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal time to catch high-profile acts and experience the venue at its most versatile.

 

Daytime Tours (Year-Round)

For architecture lovers and those seeking a quieter experience, the Stage Door Tour at Radio City Music Hall is a perfect choice. Running daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the tour offers an insider’s look at the hall’s iconic Art Deco design, backstage areas, and even includes a meet-and-greet with a Rockette. Weekday mornings are ideal for smaller crowds, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the theater’s stunning interiors and rich history at a relaxed pace.

 

Features

Radio City Music Hall is celebrated for its entertainment legacy and its architectural and technological brilliance. Designed in the Art Deco style by Edward Durell Stone and Donald Deskey, the theater’s grandeur is apparent from the moment guests step into the soaring Grand Foyer, adorned with gold leaf, mirrors, and a 2,400-square-foot mural titled “The Quest for the Fountain of Eternal Youth.” The interior design incorporates both luxurious materials like marble and gold foil and industrial elements like aluminum, Bakelite, and Permatex—creating a bold, modernist aesthetic that remains visually stunning nearly a century later.

 

At the heart of the venue lies the Great Stage, framed by a sweeping proscenium arch that resembles a rising sun. Measuring 100 feet wide and 60 feet high, it is one of the most technically advanced stages in the world. The stage is powered by a system of hydraulic elevators that can raise and lower platforms independently, allowing for dynamic set transformations and spectacular effects. A turntable and a hidden lift for the orchestra pit enhance the flexibility of live performances. The famous gold curtain, said to be the largest of its kind, adds further drama to every show.

 

The hall is also home to the powerful “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ, with over 4,000 pipes spread across eleven rooms. State-of-the-art audio upgrades, including the Meyer Sound LEO Family system and D-Mitri digital platform, provide immersive surround sound and 3D panning, ensuring crystal-clear acoustics in every seat of the nearly 6,000-seat auditorium. The combination of historic charm and cutting-edge technology creates an unparalleled sensory experience for guests.

 

Radio City also features over 30 unique spaces, including themed lounges, smoking rooms, and the exclusive Roxy Suite, a luxurious Art Deco apartment originally reserved for VIPs. From the ornate restrooms with artist-designed murals to the custom-designed furniture and lighting, every inch of the Music Hall reflects Deskey’s cohesive vision. With no obstructed views and exceptional acoustics, it’s easy to see why Radio City is not just a venue—it’s a masterpiece of performance architecture.

 

History and Fun Facts

Radio City Music Hall opened its doors on December 27, 1932, as the centerpiece of John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s ambitious Rockefeller Center project. Originally intended to house a new Metropolitan Opera building, the Great Depression forced a change of plans. Instead, Rockefeller partnered with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and theatrical visionary S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel to create a “palace for the people”—a venue that combined stunning architecture, innovative technology, and affordable entertainment. It quickly earned the nickname “The Showplace of the Nation.”

 

In its early years, Radio City featured a blend of feature films and elaborate stage productions, which became its signature format until 1979. Over the decades, it has hosted hundreds of movie premieres, including King Kong, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Lion King. Despite a financial crisis in the late 1970s that nearly led to its demolition, a passionate public preservation campaign—led in part by the Rockettes—saved the landmark. It was declared a New York City Interior Landmark in 1978 and its exterior followed in 1985.

 

Fun Facts:

- The Great Stage is so large it could fit an entire NBA basketball court.

- The gold curtain is the largest stage curtain in the world.

- Each Rockette’s tap shoes contain microphones—80 in total—to amplify their precision footwork.

- Radio City’s marquee stretches a full city block, making it one of the most recognizable signs in Manhattan.

- More than 300 million people have attended shows here since its opening.

- The theater’s organ, the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” is one of the largest ever built and still in use.

- The venue has hosted major events including the Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and the NFL Draft.