Learn about the history of the Rockefeller Centre in New York with iMinds Travel's insightful fast knowledge series. The Rockefeller family has been one of the most influential in American history. Universities, halls and parks all bear the name of and are dedicated to members of this prominent New York family. Over the last hundred years, the Rockefellers have spent billions of dollars in acts of philanthropy or charity. They have had a hand in moulding the modern-day New York City. And the Rockefeller Centre stands as the Rockefellers’ greatest and most influential real estate contribution to this city.

Originally from Cleveland, John D. Rockefeller made his millions in New York in the oil industry. As the founder of Standard Oil, he accumulated vast wealth and a virtual monopoly of the oil industry. He also set up numerous foundations, as well as a university, and pioneered a targeted approach to philanthropy. This enabled him to affect the progression of modern medicine and science, as well as education. His son, John Davidson Rockefeller Jr. later took charge of these foundations and carried on his father’s philanthropy work. It was John Jr. who would set about turning a parcel of land in the middle of New York into a major business centre and influential urban planning model.