New York City is a place where you can not only attend a concert or a film premiere but also literally step into history. One of the city’s most iconic venues is Radio City Music Hall, once the largest indoor theater in the world.
And the best part? You can experience it not just as a spectator, but as a guest behind the scenes — on the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour.
A Brief History
Radio City Music Hall opened its doors in December 1932, quickly becoming a symbol of Manhattan’s “Golden Age.” Despite its name, the hall has nothing to do with radio — it was originally meant to be called the International Music Hall, but the final name was chosen based on its location within the Rockefeller Center complex.
From the very beginning, the venue impressed visitors with its grand scale — over 6,000 seats, stunning acoustics, and a breathtaking Art Deco interior.
Over the decades, Radio City had to adapt to new entertainment trends. It became not only a concert hall but also a movie theater, hosting world premieres of classics like King Kong, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and The Lion King. Later, it became home to award ceremonies (the Grammys, MTV Awards), circus productions, sports events, and even boxing matches — including legendary bouts featuring Roy Jones Jr.
What to Expect on the Radio City Music Hall Tour
If you want to see the hall from an artist’s perspective, the Radio City Stage Door Tour is a must.
This one-hour guided experience takes you behind the curtain into the fascinating world of stagecraft and design.
During the tour, you can:
- Learn how the hall’s groundbreaking technical systems were created
- Visit the engineering rooms and see the massive hydraulic stage machinery
- Explore dressing rooms and backstage areas
- Admire the venue’s art collections and sculptures
- And, finally, step into the crown jewel of the tour — the Roxy Suite
The Roxy Suite
The Roxy Suite, located on the fifth floor, is an elegant Art Deco apartment reserved for performers and VIP guests. It once hosted some of the greatest names in history — including Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock. Today, visitors can walk through the same glamorous space and feel the magic of a bygone era.
Practical Information
Address: 1260 6th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
Tickets: $41 when purchased online, $33 at the box office
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Photography: Allowed — and encouraged!
