The “Top of the Rock” refers to the observation deck that sits on top of the GE Building, located in Rockefeller Center. Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, the location is one of the most sought after sightseeing locations in New York City.
The building was previously known as the RCA Building until 1998 when the name was changed. Today, the building is most known for serving as the headquarters for the National Broadcasting Company television network. The building stands a total of 850 feet tall, and was designed by the renowned Art Deco architect, Raymond Hood.
The building was previously named after the Radio Corporation of America, which was a subsidiary of General Electric. The building served as the offices of the Rockefeller family, and housed some of the most important business negotiations in American history.
In 1985, the building was finally awarded landmark status. At the time it was already one of the most known skyscrapers in the United States, thanks to its unique design. The building has been given a number of nicknames throughout its history including “The Slab” and “30 Rock,” which was the inspiration behind the title of NBC’s modern situational comedy, “30 Rock.”
One of the most famous works of art in American history, the photograph “Lunch atop a Skyscraper,” was taken from the top of the building when it was still under construction in the 1930’s. Today it is one of the most recognizable photographs in the world.
Just below the observation deck, on the top floor sits the well-known restaurant “Rainbow Room.” Although the restaurant recently changed ownership and underwent a number of renovations and changes, it has reopened to the public.
A number of America’s most well-known television shows have broadcasted from the GE Building. Today, “The Today Show” still broadcasts from the ground level of the building, attracting many visitors to the outside of the building. The show is famous for allowing visitors to peer through their glass windows while they are broadcasting live. “The Tonight Show” was also filmed in the GE Building during its early years, and their space is now occupied by “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”
The view from the “Top of the Rock” is amazing, and gives sightseers a wonderful view of New York City. Being on top of one of the largest skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan allows visitors to see all of the attractions from a top-down view. There is truly nothing quite like it anywhere else in New York.
The cultural significance of the GE Building and view from the observation deck are well documented. Some of the world’s most renowned pop culture icons have been filmed inside of the building, and even today some of the nation’s most popular shows broadcast live or film inside of the GE Building. As long as NBC uses the building as their headquarters, the GE building will remain a relevant piece of pop culture in America. Its cultural significance, along with its infamous Art Deco design have made it a must-stop location for many sightseers traveling to New York.
