Address, opening, capacity of Radio City Music Hall
Basic Information about the Radio City Music Hall in NYC
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Address: |
1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020（
Map ）
Located on 6th Avenue, between 50 Street and 51 Street
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Opened: |
1932 |
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Capacity: |
6,015 seats |
Seating Chart of Radio City Music Hall
The Radio City Music Hall has a seating capacity of 6,015 seats, divided into four main sections: Orchestra (1st level), 1st Mezzanine (2nd level), 2nd Mezzanine (3rd level), and 3rd Mezzanine (4th level).
*Click to view larger image
View from the seat of Radio City Music Hall
You can view real seat photos from inside the the Radio City Music Hall to see the stage from sections. These images help you choose the seating option that best suits your Broadway experience.
Orchestra Section 5 Row TT
2nd Mezzanine Section 5 Row E
Directions to Radio City Music Hall
Access to Radio City Music Hall are most commonly by taking the New York City Subway (MTA).
The area around the theatre becomes very crowded close to showtime, so whether you are arriving by subway or taxi, please allow extra time to reach the venue.
Map, location of Radio City Music Hall
Here is the map of the Radio City Music Hall.
Best hotels near the Radio City Music Hall
Discover the best hotels near the Radio City Music Hall. Stay within walking distance of Broadway and enjoy easy access to shows, restaurants, and attractions.
The list of recommended hotels near the theater:
History of Radio City Music Hall
Originally planned as the new Metropolitan Opera House
Radio City Music Hall was founded in 1932 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., son of the famous oil magnate.
Rockefeller Jr. faced the Great Depression during his leadership, but became known for his bold real estate investments. In 1931 he began construction of Rockefeller Center. His original plan was to build a new Metropolitan Opera House. However, due to the financial uncertainty of the Depression, the plan was abandoned. Instead, Rockefeller wanted to create a commercial entertainment complex that would inspire hope and bring people together through art.
He partnered with RCA, a major electronics and media company, to establish Rockefeller Center as a hub for mass media. He also brought in Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel, known as a genius of the theater world, who had experience producing films, stage shows, and radio programs. Together, they set out to build a theater where everyone could enjoy high-quality entertainment at an affordable price.
Years as a movie theater
Radio City Music Hall opened on December 27, 1932. The first shows were long and unsuccessful, running from 8 pm until 2 am. To improve attendance, the theater began screening family movies combined with elaborate stage shows created by Roxy. From 1933 to 1979, over 700 films were shown, including classics such as “King Kong,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Mary Poppins,” and “The Lion King.” Today, films are still occasionally shown, but the venue is primarily used for concerts and live events.
Financial struggles and threat of closure
In the 1970s, changes in film distribution made it difficult for Radio City to compete. Attendance dropped, and losses were estimated at 3.5 million dollars. In January 1978, it was announced that the theater would close in three months and possibly be converted into offices, a shopping mall, or even a stock exchange. Just two days later, the Showpeople’s Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall was formed.
The movement to save Radio City
The Showpeople’s Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall included performers, dancers, musicians, ushers, and staff who wanted to protect the future of the theater. Leading the movement was Rosemary Novellino, dance captain of the Radio City Ballet Company. With the help of local government and national media, she organized campaigns, appeared on television and radio, and even staged attention-grabbing protests in costume. The campaign gained nationwide attention, collecting over 150,000 petition signatures. On March 28, 1978, Radio City Music Hall was declared a New York City Landmark, saving it from closure. Later that year it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Radio City today
Since surviving the threat of closure, Radio City Music Hall has welcomed more than 300 million visitors and is recognized as the largest indoor theater in the world. It continues to host the annual Christmas Spectacular, concerts by world-famous artists, NFL Draft events, tapings of America’s Got Talent, and the Tony Awards ceremony.
Architecture of Radio City Music Hall
Donald Deskey’s elegant Art Deco design
The interior was designed by Donald Deskey, an American artist and designer. Using aluminum, gold leaf, marble, glass, cork, and other materials, he created a rich Art Deco style for the walls, carpets, and furnishings. At the time still relatively unknown, Deskey was determined to make Radio City “the most elegant theater of its era.” His sophisticated designs quickly brought him recognition, and today they remain a hallmark of the theater.
A stage inspired by the sunset
The main stage, designed by Peter B. Clark, measures 66.5 by 144 feet. Its golden proscenium arch was inspired by a sunset, while the red seating represents the reflection of the sun on the sea. The design team reportedly got the idea while returning by ship from Europe, where they had been searching for inspiration.
The stage is enhanced with innovative cove lighting, which creates soft, indirect illumination. The theater was also one of the first to install advanced lighting systems that could change color and brightness automatically, adding to its reputation as a state-of-the-art venue.
Around Radio City Music Hall
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Since 1933, the annual tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has drawn visitors from all over the world. Each winter, a massive tree is selected, transported to Manhattan, and decorated with more than 50,000 LED lights.
The tree is chosen based on its beauty, shape, and ability to hold heavy ornaments. It is raised into place by crane and becomes the centerpiece of the holiday season at Rockefeller Center.
The Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
Each winter, an ice rink is installed at the base of the Christmas tree. Known as The Rink at Rockefeller Center, it is one of New York’s most beloved attractions, visited by locals, tourists, celebrities, and athletes alike. It has been featured in films such as “Home Alone 2,” adding to its fame as a classic New York City experience.
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Lines,
50 Ststation (About a 5-minute walk)
Lines,
Rockfeller Centerstation (About a 3-minute walk)
