Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Winged Mercury
Lee Lawrie's stunning 1933 relief of Mercury, the Roman god of trade, profit and
commerce, celebrates the British Empire. The golden classical figure wears a helmet
- a sign of protection.
The Story of Mankind
Another Lawrie is a bold 15-block history accented in gold, scarlet and blue-green.
The history is topped with a clock, signifying the passage of time.
Wall Drawing 896
The newest mural, a site-specific, geometric design created in 1999 by Sol Lewitt,
covers four walls of the entrance to the headquarters of Christie's on 48th St.
The Building of Rockefeller Center
When the Depression made John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s ori-
ginal plan for a new opera house impractical, he instead
developed a large, creative-commercial complex. The in-
novative ArtDecodesign,ledbyRaymondHood,included
amid-blockstreet(RockefellerPlaza)andanunderground
concourse. The 14 buildings constructed in 1931-40
provided225,000jobsduringtheworstoftheDepression.
Artworks were an essential element; over 30 artists con-
tributed work for foyers, façades, and gardens as part of
the “New Frontiers” program.
John D. Rockefeller driving in final rivet
Top 10 Statistics
Tallest building: 850 ft (259 m), 70 floors
