There are 19 buildings making up the Rockefeller Center. In 1985 it was described by the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission as "the heart of New York ... a great unifying presence in the chaotic core of midtown Manhattan." The image of the skating rink is familiar but turns out to be almost tiny in real life. The surroundings avoid it being a disappointment though. The tree, the rink and the avenues of trumpeting angels and illuminated Christmas trees make a visit at Christmas an absolute must. The Christmas tree is beautiful and stands guard over the statue of Prometheus and dozens of skaters. Why do skaters move anti-clockwise around a rink? Answers on a postcard to ...

Look upwards and marvel at the extraordinary Art Deco buildings. Go inside the General Electric building and see the massive murals. Every feature from the elevators to the columns to the floor is done on a grand scale.

Above the doorway to the General Electric building is a statue of Wisdom by Lee Laurie. It's one of the impressive door decorations around the buildings that make up the Center. The slogan reads 'Wisdom and Knowledge shall be the stability of Thy Time.'