Radio City Music Hall Opens
Radio City Music Hall, a renowned performing arts venue in New York City, opened its doors on December 27, 1932. Located within the iconic Rockefeller Center, the Hall was established during a significant era of American architecture and culture, largely funded by industrialist John D. Rockefeller Jr. Initially sponsored by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), it has since become a prominent site for a wide array of theatrical performances, including its celebrated annual event, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which has been a tradition since 1933.
The Hall is famous for its stunning art deco design, particularly the Great Stage, which is one of the largest in the world, measuring nearly 150 feet wide and over 60 feet deep. It features the world's largest stage curtain and is home to the "Mighty Wurlitzer" organ, known for its impressive array of pipes. Additionally, the venue is synonymous with the Rockettes, the renowned dance troupe that adds to the unique entertainment experience offered at Radio City Music Hall. Overall, the Hall stands as a significant cultural landmark that showcases the rich history of performing arts in the United States.
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Radio City Music Hall Opens
Radio City Music Hall Opens
The world-famous Radio City Music Hall opened to the public in New York City on December 27, 1932. It is part of Rockefeller Center, a large commercial complex built at various points between 1929 and 1940 by industrialist John D. Rockefeller Jr. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) became one of its first tenants, and thus the Hall was duly named. Sponsored by RCA for promotional and publicity reasons, it has hosted a wide variety of theatrical events over the decades since it premiered its first film, The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933), starring Barbara Stanwyck and directed by Frank Capra. It also features the famous dancing girls known as the Rockettes and the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which has run every year since 1933. The Hall is noted for its distinctive period design, in art deco, and particularly for its Great Stage. Designed by Donald Desky and modeled to resemble the setting sun with its succession of curving arches, the Great Stage is more than 60 feet deep and nearly 150 feet wide with the world's largest stage curtain. One of the most popular features of the Hall is the “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ. Its pipes range in size from a few inches to 32 feet long and are kept in 11 rooms within the theater.