This includes the “NBC Studios” sign, which has glowed since 1935, symbolising modernity and broadcasting history. The proposed change, part of a broader update to the 30 Rock entrances, has sparked debate over preserving neon as a cultural artifact.

Neon signs, once ubiquitous across Manhattan, are disappearing rapidly. Landmarks like Smith’s Bar and the Subway Inn have gone dark, and even Broadway institutions like the New Amsterdam and Apollo theaters have replaced their neon displays.

 According to neon historian Thomas Rinaldi, only about 130 of the 75,000 outdoor electric signs from 1923–1956 still exist.

Proponents of the shift to LEDs highlight their lower energy consumption, durability, and environmental benefits. Tishman Speyer claims the LED conversion will reduce energy use tenfold, though critics argue this might be overstated. Neon, while more energy-intensive, is repairable and lasts decades, unlike non-recyclable LED components.

Neon enthusiasts, like Rinaldi, emphasize its historical and aesthetic value. Neon’s unique glow, with its vibrant shimmer and depth, offers a warmth unmatched by LEDs. Preservationists view neon as Americana, akin to the Statue of Liberty.

Critics worry the shift at 30 Rock sets a dangerous precedent. Radio City Music Hall, with six miles of glowing glass, could be next. While LEDs have design merits, preservationists argue Rockefeller Center’s neon deserves the same respect as other historical materials.

For now, the future of neon at Rockefeller Center lies with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, whose decision could determine whether this luminous chapter of New York’s history continues to shine.