Arena
Madison Square Garden
Midtown's other legendary entertainment venue, the World's Most Famous Arena.
Cultural Significance
Radio City Music Hall opened its doors on December 27, 1932, and immediately claimed its place as a cathedral of entertainment. Conceived by impresario Samuel "Roxy" Rothafel as part of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s ambitious Rockefeller Center complex, the venue was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone with Art Deco interiors by Donald Deskey. At nearly 6,000 seats, it was the largest indoor theater in the world at its opening, and its soaring "Sunset" auditorium ceiling, with concentric arches that glow like a setting sun, remains one of the most awe-inspiring interior spaces in New York City.
The venue's cultural impact extends far beyond its architecture. The Radio City Rockettes, the precision dance company that has called the hall home since its opening, became American cultural icons through their annual Christmas Spectacular, a tradition since 1933 that draws over one million visitors each holiday season. The Rockettes' synchronized kick lines have been performed before presidents, foreign dignitaries, and generations of families, making them one of the most enduring entertainment acts in American history.
In the world of celebrity culture, Radio City Music Hall occupies a unique position as the venue where achievement is celebrated. The Tony Awards have been held here since 1997, making the hall the stage where Broadway's greatest moments unfold each June. The MTV Video Music Awards chose Radio City for multiple editions, producing some of pop culture's most viral moments. Major concert residencies by artists from Lady Gaga to Dolly Parton have treated the venue as a space where artistry meets grandeur, and its red carpet arrivals rank among the most photographed in the entertainment industry.
Notable Celebrity Appearances
1978
The Grateful Dead Save Radio City
When Radio City faces potential demolition, a series of rock concerts helps galvanize the campaign to save it. The venue is designated a New York City Landmark, preserving its Art Deco splendor for future generations of performers and audiences.
1999
MTV VMAs: The Vanguard Moments
The MTV Video Music Awards return to Radio City Music Hall, with performances by Lauryn Hill, TLC, and Jay-Z. The venue's grand stage becomes the setting for some of the VMAs' most memorable live performances and celebrity red carpet arrivals.
2016
Lady Gaga's Residency Announcement
Lady Gaga performs at Radio City Music Hall as part of her ongoing relationship with the venue, one of many high-profile artists who have treated the Art Deco hall as the ideal setting for intimate yet spectacular shows.
2019
Tony Awards: "Hadestown" and Celebrity Broadway
The Tony Awards at Radio City celebrate a banner year for Broadway, with "Hadestown" winning Best Musical and appearances by Hugh Jackman, James Corden, and a parade of Hollywood stars who have crossed over to the Broadway stage.
2023
NFL Draft Takes Over Radio City
The NFL Draft returns to Radio City Music Hall, transforming the Art Deco theater into a sports spectacle where celebrity athletes, entertainment stars, and media converge for one of the most watched events in American sports.
In Film & Television
Radio City Music Hall has been immortalized on screen in numerous productions. The 1991 comedy "The Fisher King" by Terry Gilliam features a memorable scene at the venue, while the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular has been adapted into television specials seen by millions of viewers annually.
The venue appears as a filming location in "The Irishman" (2019) by Martin Scorsese, and its iconic exterior marquee and Art Deco facade serve as establishing shots in countless New York-set films and series, from "Seinfeld" to "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Radio City's grand lobby and auditorium are among the most visually distinctive interiors in all of American cinema.
Related Venues
Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Home of the Met Gala, fashion's biggest night and the pinnacle of celebrity red carpets.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall has been the primary venue for the Tony Awards since 1997. It has also hosted multiple editions of the MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, the Emmy Awards, and the NFL Draft, making it the premier awards show venue in New York City.
Radio City Music Hall opened on December 27, 1932, as part of Rockefeller Center. Designed by Edward Durell Stone with interiors by Donald Deskey, it was the largest indoor theater in the world at its opening. The venue is renowned for its Art Deco design, including the iconic "Sunset" auditorium ceiling, and was designated a New York City Landmark in 1978.
The Radio City Rockettes are the iconic precision dance company that has performed at Radio City since 1932. They are best known for their annual Christmas Spectacular, a holiday tradition since 1933 that attracts over one million visitors each season. Their signature synchronized kick line is one of the most recognized performances in American entertainment.