When the stock market crashed in 1929, John D. Rockefeller decided to build an entire complex of buildings so spectacular that they would attract commercial tenants even in a depressed NYC flooded with vacant rental space. Initially to be called The International Music Hall, one of his first tenants was the Radio Corporation of America, thus inspiring the name change.
The Hall initially opened in 1932 but was not fully completed until 1940. It was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone and interior designer Donald Deskey in gorgeous Art Deco style. With a seating capacity of just under 6,000, Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theatre in the world. Quite a diverse list of performers have appeared there, from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Liberace, to a-ha, Iron Maiden, Jack White, and The Cure.
It is also Home of The New York City Rockettes and perennial holiday production, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, that has been going strong since 1933. The Radio City Stage Door Tour is also a must see attraction. The F/B/D train will take you right there, 49th Street station.
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