Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Times Square and Theater District
Known as the “Crossroads of the
World,” Times Square is New York's
most famous intersection and the sym-
bol of the lively surrounding theater dis-
trict that includes Broadway. It was
called Longacre Square until 1904,
when the New York Times built a
25-story tower on the site. Its occupancy on New Year's Eve was
marked with fireworks, a celebration that continues today. Currently,
a giant crystal ball descends the building at midnight to herald the
new year, cheered by the millions packed into the square. The reputa-
tion of Times Square was sullied when the adjacent 42nd Street grew
seedy in the 1970s. The 1990s saw the peep shows and X-rated movie
houses closed, and with a massive government and private effort, the
street and neighborhood have again been transformed.
Top 10 Exhibits
Broadway Lights
Thecity's longest street isknown bestforthesection north of42nd Street dubbedthe
“Great White Way” for its dazzle of neon.
Times Square News Ticker
In 1928, the
New York Times
erected the world's first moving electronic sign to post
news, a fixture that remains although the
Times
has moved to 8th Avenue.
