The Rockefeller Center (NYC,USA)

I love this city and I’ve already talked about it a lot, in my article Christmas in New York.

There’s so much to discover, and this time without all the Christmas lights, but under a spring sun.

Last week, I explained 2 incredible constructions, the Thames Barrier in London & the Channel Tunnel.

To tell the truth, I’m also very interested in architecture, and New York is pretty incredible for that, then today, I’m going to present you The Rockefeller Center.

The construction of the Rockefeller Center is an idea of ​​John D. Rockefeller Jr., the same one who sponsored the reconstruction of the framework of the Reims Cathedral, in reinforced concrete.

This huge 7 million square feet complex, includes 1.5 million square feet of shops and dining, 19 commercial buildings, including 14 built during the Mr. Rockefeller era, which represents more than 40,000 people employed during the Great Depression.

Some buildings are as impressive inside as outside. Art is at the heart of them, Art Deco obviously, since construction started in 1931 and ended in 1939.

John D. Rockefeller Jr. considered art as an act of good citizenship.

As an aside, his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, was also fond of art, she created in 1929 with two of her friends, the very famous MoMa (Museum of Modern Art).

Sculptures, paintings, mosaic, each artwork is explained in detail on the Rockefeller Center website: link.

For example, ATLAS (1937) by Lee Lawrie and Rene Paul Chambellan.

You can enter the buildings and admire all of these beautiful artworks for free, but guided tours are also organised, and if you're lucky like I was, you may come across a member of the Rockefeller family.

After so much culture, let's take a walk outside, in The Channel Gardens, a path that separates 2 twin towers, the Maison Française on one side and the British Empire Building on the other.

In the surroundings, we find:
• The NBC studios, you should see some celebrities, in my case: Sofia Vergara, from the Modern Family series, so beautiful.

• But also, Magnolia Bakery for a delicious cupcake.

• Or Christies, auction mood today?

• And of course, Radio City Hall! But if you remember, we visited it in my article Christmas in New York, before the Show of the Rockettes.

Besides, during the Covid-19 confinement, it’s important to exercise, I’ve mentioned it already before:
Quarantine
Friendship

Personally, I’ve decided to follow the free Rockettes lessons on Instagram: Link.
You have the choice between the workout program or a dance choreography from the famous Christmas show.

I saved the best for last, the Top of the Rock observatory, in the heart of the Rockefeller Center.

Located on the 70th floor, with 3 interior and exterior levels to enjoy a 360-degree panorama.

The view is breathtaking as soon as you go up ...

​A video at the end of the article with original footage of the construction of the Rockefeller Center.
 
Have a wonderful week!
 
Love & Construction,
L.