Everyone in the US has heard of the fictional GNB building from the hit sitcom "30 Rock". It was a fairly large building that served as the headquarters of General National Broadcasting (GNB), the fictional parent company of the NBC network. Images of the building flashed across the screen every time the show began and ended. The GNB building was a dominant part of the storyline of the show, and it was as popular among the show's fans as the characters that worked inside it. But did you know that the GNB building is an actual building located in New York City?

The Real GNB Building

The GNB building is actually 30 Rockefeller Center, an iconic art deco skyscraper located in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. With its distinctive setbacks and limestone façade, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and a defining feature of the New York City skyline. The 850-foot-tall, 70-story building was completed in 1933 and was one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time. It was designed by Raymond Hood, who also designed the Chrysler Building.

The Show's Connection to the Real Building

"30 Rock" was filmed at 30 Rockefeller Center, and the show's creators used the building's real-life features as inspiration for the fictional GNB building. For example, the show's exterior shots of the GNB building were actually of 30 Rockefeller Center, and the show's interior shots were filmed on sets that were built to resemble the real building's interiors.

The Fictional GNB Building

The fictional GNB building was a much larger building than the real 30 Rockefeller Center, but they have many similarities. The real building has nine entrances, just like the fictional building. And the floor plan of the two buildings is very similar.

The Real Building Today

30 Rockefeller Center is still a major office building, and it is home to a variety of businesses, including NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC. It is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take tours of the building and visit the Top of the Rock observation deck, which offers stunning views of New York City.

30 Rockefeller vs Rockefeller Center

When you hear the name "Rockefeller Center", you probably immediately think of the ice skating rink, the towering Christmas tree, and vibrant plaza with shops. However, 30 Rockefeller Plaza is just one of 19 commercial buildings and towers that make up Rockefeller Center.

Conclusion

The GNB building from "30 Rock" is a fictional building, but it is based on a real building located in New York City. The real building is 30 Rockefeller Center, an iconic skyscraper that is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Today, the building is home to a variety of businesses and is also a popular tourist destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Where is the GNB building located?

A1. The real GNB building, which is 30 Rockefeller Center, is located in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City.

Q2. Who designed the GNB building?

A2. The real GNB building, which is 30 Rockefeller Center, was designed by Raymond Hood, who also designed the Chrysler Building.

Q3. How tall is the GNB building?

A3. The real GNB building, which is 30 Rockefeller Center, is 850 feet tall.

Q4. What is the GNB building used for today?

A4. Today, the real GNB building, which is 30 Rockefeller Center, is home to a variety of businesses and is also a popular tourist destination.

Q5. Can you visit the GNB building?

A5. Yes, you can visit the real GNB building, which is 30 Rockefeller Center. Visitors can take tours of the building and visit the Top of the Rock observation deck, which offers stunning views of New York City.