Radio City Music Hall Tickets

The golden curtain rises, five thousand voices catch their breath, and a series of sweeping Art Deco arches — painted in alternating gold, silver, and bronze — draws every eye toward one of the most famous stages on earth. Welcome to Radio City Music Hall, the Showplace of the Nation. Since December 27, 1932, this Midtown Manhattan landmark has stood as the crown jewel of Rockefeller Center, the largest indoor theater in the world, and the gold standard against which every performance venue is measured. More than 300 million people have passed through its doors. Over 700 films have premiered on its screen. The Rockettes have called it home since the night it opened. From the Christmas Spectacular and the Tony Awards to sold-out concerts by the biggest names in music and comedy specials that become cultural touchstones, Radio City Music Hall isn't just a venue — it's a rite of passage for artists and audiences alike. Browse the full schedule of upcoming events, lock in your Radio City Music Hall tickets, and experience a night at the most storied stage in American entertainment — all backed by our buyer guarantee.

Venue Basics

Location: 1260 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue), between W. 50th and W. 51st Streets, Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY 10020

Opened: December 27, 1932

Capacity: 5,960 seats

Architect: Edward Durell Stone (exterior) · Donald Deskey (interior design)

Creative Visionary: Samuel L. "Roxy" Rothafel — theatrical impresario who conceived the venue as a total sensory experience blending architecture, lighting, film, and live performance

Architectural Style: Art Deco

Complex: Rockefeller Center (part of the original 14-building complex commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr.)

Owner: Tishman Speyer Properties

Operator: Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Nickname: "The Showplace of the Nation"

Historic Designations: New York City Landmark (interior, 1978; exterior, 1985) · National Register of Historic Places (1978) · Contributing property to the Rockefeller Center National Historic Landmark District

Major Renovation: $70 million comprehensive restoration completed in 1999, returning the auditorium, Grand Foyer, Grand Lounge, and six mezzanine lounges to their original Art Deco splendor

Seating Layout: Orchestra (ground level, ~3,500 seats), First Mezzanine, Second Mezzanine, Third Mezzanine — four tiers, no obstructing columns

Signature Features: The Great Stage (144 ft wide × 66½ ft deep, framed by a 100-ft-wide × 60-ft-high proscenium arch), hydraulic-powered stage elevators, turntable floor, the Grand Foyer (two-and-a-half stories, gold-leaf murals), the Roxy Suite (secret private apartment), over 5,000 concealed house lights, city-block-long exterior marquee

Total Visitors: Over 300 million since 1932

Annual Programming: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, Tony Awards, concerts, comedy specials, award ceremonies, film premieres, corporate events, university graduations, the Stage Door Tour Experience, and more

History

When the stock market crashed in 1929, John D. Rockefeller Jr. was sitting on a 24-year lease for a large stretch of Midtown Manhattan originally intended for a new Metropolitan Opera House. The opera plans collapsed with the economy, but Rockefeller pressed forward — deciding instead to build a complex of buildings so extraordinary that commercial tenants would flock to them even in the depths of the Great Depression. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) joined as a partner, and the first building to open within what would become Rockefeller Center was a theater unlike any the world had seen: Radio City Music Hall.

Rockefeller enlisted Samuel L. "Roxy" Rothafel, a legendary theatrical impresario who had spent years reviving struggling theaters across America through an innovative blend of vaudeville, film, and spectacle. Roxy's vision was audacious: a "palace for the people" offering world-class entertainment at prices ordinary New Yorkers could afford. Interior designer Donald Deskey — a relatively unknown competitor who beat out more established names — created an Art Deco masterpiece organized around a central theme he called "The Progress of Man," weaving murals, sculptures, gold foil, aluminum, Bakelite, and precious marbles into over 30 distinct interior spaces. Architect Edward Durell Stone designed the exterior, wrapping the building in a horizontal band of limestone with a marquee sign that runs the full length of the 6th Avenue façade — an entire city block of glowing neon that has been a beacon of Midtown Manhattan for over nine decades.

Radio City Music Hall opened on December 27, 1932, with a lavish four-hour variety show featuring Ray Bolger, Martha Graham, and the Rockettes. The opening night crowd was so overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the space that one New York critic reported approvingly: "It has been said of the new Music Hall that it needs no performers." Within a year, the venue pivoted from pure stage shows to a film-and-live-spectacle format that made it one of the most commercially successful entertainment venues in American history — over 700 films premiered there between 1933 and 1979. By the mid-1970s, however, declining patronage pushed Radio City to the brink. In January 1978, management announced the theater would close. A passionate campaign led by Rosemary Novellino, the Dance Captain of the Radio City Ballet Company, rallied the public and the press, and on March 28, 1978, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the interior a protected landmark — saving the building from demolition. A full restoration followed, and in the 1980s, Radio City reinvented itself once more as a premier concert and live-event venue — a role it has thrived in ever since. A comprehensive $70 million renovation in 1999 restored every surface, fabric, carpet, and mural to its original 1932 brilliance, and today Radio City Music Hall stands exactly as Deskey and Roxy envisioned it — a palace for the people, as magnificent as the day it opened.

The Great Stage & the Auditorium

No description of Radio City Music Hall is complete without the space itself — because the building is the performance. The auditorium stretches 160 feet from the back wall to the stage, with an 84-foot ceiling formed by a series of sweeping, concentric arches that diminish toward the proscenium. The design was inspired by the illusion of a sun setting over the ocean as seen from the deck of an ocean liner — each arch painted in alternating gold, silver, and warm bronze, with over 5,000 house lights concealed within the coves to create the effect of light radiating outward from the stage. The result is a room that feels both impossibly grand and strangely intimate — a space so well proportioned that it seems to embrace you rather than dwarf you.

The three mezzanine levels were an engineering marvel for their time — designed and constructed without a single supporting column, instead cantilevered from the back wall. The result is unobstructed sightlines from every one of the 5,960 seats, a claim that remains true today. The orchestra level holds approximately 3,500 seats, with the remaining distributed across the First, Second, and Third Mezzanines. Choral staircases rise along the sides, allowing performers to enter directly into the house for immersive staging.

And then there is the Great Stage. Framed by a proscenium arch 100 feet wide and 60 feet high, the Great Stage measures 144 feet wide by 66½ feet deep — one of the largest in the world. It is divided into four sections, each mounted on hydraulic-powered elevators that can rise 13 feet into the air or descend into the basement in seconds, enabling seamless scene changes and spectacular reveals. A turntable floor adds rotational staging capability. Technical experts have long considered it the most perfectly equipped stage in the world — a claim that is as difficult to refute now as it was in 1932.

What Radio City Hosts

The breadth of programming at Radio City Music Hall is matched only by the caliber. This is a venue where legends are confirmed, not made — and the calendar reflects it.

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

The single most iconic production in the venue's history. First presented in 1933 — just one year after the Music Hall opened — the Christmas Spectacular has been seen by more than 71 million people and has become New York City's definitive holiday tradition. The 90-minute show features more than 140 performers, an original musical score, immersive digital projections, and the world-famous Rockettes — a precision dance company founded in 1925 that has called Radio City home since opening night. Beloved numbers including the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," the "Living Nativity," and the show-stopping kickline have been performed for generations. The production runs from early November through early January each year, with over 200 performances per season, drawing more than a million visitors annually. It is, without exaggeration, one of the great live-entertainment experiences in the world.

Concerts & Comedy

Radio City Music Hall tickets are among the most coveted in the music industry — for artists and fans alike. Playing Radio City is a career milestone, and the list of performers who have graced the Great Stage reads like a who's who of popular music. Frank Sinatra debuted "New York, New York" here. Prince, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Madonna have all performed on this stage. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett shared their final live performances together here in 2021. Barry Manilow holds the record for most lifetime performances at Radio City — 42 and counting. John Mulaney's Kid Gorgeous at Radio City won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Hugh Jackman staged a multi-night solo concert series. And the venue continues to attract the biggest names in music, comedy, and live entertainment year after year — every genre, every generation, every night a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Award Shows & Televised Events

Radio City Music Hall has hosted more Tony Awards ceremonies than any other venue — over 20 and counting — and the annual broadcast from the Great Stage has become inseparable from the identity of Broadway's biggest night. The Grammy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Daytime Emmy Awards, the NFL Draft, and NFL Honors have all called Radio City home at various points in their history. The combination of the venue's Art Deco grandeur, its production-ready Great Stage, and its Midtown Manhattan location makes it the default choice when the moment needs to match the setting.

The Stage Door Tour Experience

For those who want to experience Radio City without attending a show, the Stage Door Tour offers a 75-minute guided journey through the venue's most iconic spaces — the Grand Foyer, the auditorium, the Great Stage, and the hidden Roxy Suite, a secret private apartment tucked inside the building. The tour includes a chance to meet a Radio City Rockette, and expert guides bring nearly a century of history to life with stories, details, and access that ticket holders rarely see. Tours run year-round.

The Radio City Experience

Attending an event at Radio City Music Hall begins before you reach your seat. The Grand Foyer — the first space you enter from the 6th Avenue entrance — rises two and a half stories, its curved ceiling descending in arcs toward the floor, its walls covered in gold-leaf murals that glow under warm lighting. It is a room designed to take your breath away, and it succeeds every time. From there, wide corridors lead to the auditorium itself, where the scale of the room and the beauty of the arches make the moments before curtain feel like an event in their own right.

Seating is distributed across four tiers. The Orchestra — the ground-level floor — provides the closest proximity to the Great Stage and is typically the most sought-after section for concerts. The First Mezzanine offers a slightly elevated perspective that many regulars consider the sweet spot — close enough to feel the energy, high enough to take in the full width of the stage and the sweep of the arches. The Second and Third Mezzanines provide excellent sightlines at a greater distance, with the benefit of the cantilevered design ensuring there are no columns to block your view from any seat in the house.

Food and beverage options are available inside the venue, including specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and concessions. The venue is cashless for all purchases. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. A few practical notes to keep in mind: bags must be no larger than 22" × 14" × 9" and must fit comfortably under your seat. Unlike many venues, bags do not need to be clear — standard purses, small totes, and crossbody bags are permitted as long as they meet the size requirement. All bags are subject to security screening upon entry. There is no bag check or coat check at Radio City Music Hall, so plan accordingly — anything that doesn't meet the size policy must be returned to your vehicle or stored off-site. Strollers are permitted but cannot be checked. Laptops and tablets are allowed as long as they are contained within a compliant bag. Arrive early — security lines can be long, especially during the Christmas Spectacular season, and shows start on time.

Parking & Transportation

Radio City Music Hall sits in the heart of Midtown Manhattan within Rockefeller Center — one of the most transit-accessible locations in New York City. Public transportation is by far the easiest and most recommended way to reach the venue.

Subway

Multiple subway lines serve the area. The B, D, F, and M trains stop at 47th–50th Streets/Rockefeller Center — the station's underground mezzanine connects directly to the Rockefeller Center complex, placing you steps from the venue entrance. The 1 train stops at 50th Street/Broadway, a two-block walk east to 6th Avenue. The N, Q, R, and W trains stop at 49th Street, also a short walk. From Penn Station, take the 1 train one stop uptown, or walk to 34th Street/Herald Square and take the B, D, F, or M directly. From Grand Central Terminal, take the shuttle to Times Square and transfer to the 1 uptown, or take the B/D/F/M from Bryant Park. The subway is the fastest, simplest option for the vast majority of visitors.

Commuter Rail

NJ Transit, Amtrak, and the Long Island Rail Road all serve Penn Station, from which Radio City is a quick subway ride or a 15-minute walk north. Metro-North serves Grand Central Terminal, with easy subway connections to the venue. PATH train riders from New Jersey can connect at 33rd Street to the uptown subway.

Rideshare & Taxi

Uber, Lyft, and traditional New York City taxis provide convenient access. The recommended drop-off point is 5th Avenue between W. 50th and W. 51st Streets — a short walk west to the venue entrance. Expect post-event congestion in the blocks surrounding Rockefeller Center, particularly during the holiday season and weekend evenings.

Driving & Parking

Radio City Music Hall does not have its own dedicated parking facility. Multiple privately operated parking garages are located within Rockefeller Center and the surrounding Midtown blocks. Pre-booking through a parking reservation app is strongly recommended, as Midtown garages fill up quickly — especially on evenings with events. For nearby options and pre-booking details, visit our Radio City Music Hall parking page. Driving to Midtown Manhattan is generally not recommended for events — between traffic, parking logistics, and the exceptional subway access, public transit is almost always the better choice.

Accessibility

Radio City Music Hall offers accessible seating throughout the auditorium, with elevator access to all four seating levels via a bank of elevators located on the left side of the Grand Foyer. Wheelchair-accessible entrances are available. Assistive listening devices can be requested at Guest Relations. Guests with disabilities who hold a valid New York City Special Parking Permit may park on streets and avenues surrounding the venue per the rules on the back of the permit. For specific accommodation requests, contact Guest Relations at (212) 465-6225 or [email protected] in advance of your event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Radio City Music Hall?

Radio City Music Hall is the world's largest indoor theater, located at 1260 Avenue of the Americas within Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. Opened on December 27, 1932, it is a landmark of Art Deco architecture, a New York City and National Register of Historic Places–designated landmark, and one of the most iconic entertainment venues on the planet. With a capacity of 5,960 seats and a stage considered one of the most technically advanced in the world, it hosts concerts, comedy specials, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, the Tony Awards, award ceremonies, film premieres, and special events year-round. More than 300 million people have attended events here since opening night.

What events does Radio City Music Hall host?

Radio City Music Hall hosts a year-round calendar of world-class events, including the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes (November through January, 200+ performances annually), headlining concerts across every genre, stand-up comedy specials, the Tony Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, the NFL Draft, the NFL Honors, film premieres, university graduations, corporate events, and the Stage Door Tour Experience. If it belongs on the biggest stage in entertainment, it belongs at Radio City.

Where is Radio City Music Hall located?

Radio City Music Hall is located at 1260 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue), between West 50th and West 51st Streets, within Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. It is surrounded by iconic New York City landmarks including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and skating rink, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, The Museum of Modern Art, Bryant Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Fifth Avenue shopping.

How do I get to Radio City Music Hall?

The easiest option is the subway. Take the B, D, F, or M trains to 47th–50th Streets/Rockefeller Center — the station connects directly underground to the Rockefeller Center complex. The 1 train to 50th Street/Broadway and the N, Q, R, or W trains to 49th Street are also convenient options, each a short walk from the venue. From Penn Station, take the 1 train one stop uptown. For those driving, pre-booking a nearby garage is recommended — visit our Radio City Music Hall parking page for options.

What is the seating capacity of Radio City Music Hall?

Radio City Music Hall seats 5,960 across four tiers: the Orchestra (ground level, approximately 3,500 seats), the First Mezzanine, the Second Mezzanine, and the Third Mezzanine. All three mezzanine levels were designed without supporting columns, providing unobstructed sightlines from every seat. The Orchestra and First Mezzanine are generally considered the most popular sections, though the cantilevered mezzanine design ensures there is truly no bad seat in the house.

What is the bag policy at Radio City Music Hall?

Bags must be no larger than 22" × 14" × 9" and must fit comfortably under your seat. Bags do not need to be clear — standard purses, small totes, and crossbody bags are permitted as long as they meet the size limit. All bags are subject to security screening. There is no bag check or coat check at Radio City Music Hall, so oversized bags must be stored off-site before arrival. Laptops and tablets are permitted within compliant bags. Arrive early to allow time for security screening, particularly during high-demand shows.

What is the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall?

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is an annual holiday stage show that has been performed at Radio City Music Hall every year since 1933. The 90-minute production features more than 140 performers, an original musical score, beloved numbers including the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the "Living Nativity," immersive digital projections, and the world-famous Rockettes precision kickline. It runs from early November through early January, with over 200 performances per season, and has been seen by more than 71 million people. It is New York City's most beloved holiday tradition.

Can I tour Radio City Music Hall?

Yes. The Stage Door Tour Experience offers a 75-minute guided tour of Radio City Music Hall's most iconic spaces, including the Grand Foyer, the auditorium, the Great Stage, and the hidden Roxy Suite — a secret private apartment inside the building. The tour includes a chance to meet a Radio City Rockette. Tours run year-round and are available for purchase on the venue's website. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

Where can I buy Radio City Music Hall tickets?

You can browse all upcoming Radio City Music Hall events — from the Christmas Spectacular and the Tony Awards to headlining concerts, comedy specials, and everything in between — right here on GoTickets. Every purchase is backed by our buyer guarantee, so you can shop with complete confidence.