Once upon a time, in the city that never sleeps, there was a land where dreams came true. Times Square, New York City’s sassy heart, was home to an enchanting castle, a feisty fairy and a whole lot of magic but that’s a tale for another time.
Today, we’re talking about the red stairs which you’ve probably heard of before, maybe even seen them yourself.
You may have even thought they were a myth or a cleverly hidden piece of art that draws guests to Times Square but you may be wondering, what are the red stairs and why are they there?
Well, the red stairs are a link to the people who first came to New York City and dreamed of this city as a place of dreams and magic. They ARE the RED STAIRS!!
So, as you’re eager to get started and stop the wondering, here is everything you need to know about the world famous, Red Stairs of Times Square, New York City.
What Are The Red Stairs
The red stairs are more than just a name, they are a gateway to Times Square’s history, its magic and perhaps, its future and have existed since the turn of the 20th century, when they were built to give access to the plaza and the New York Times Building from 42nd Street and where you can see a surreal mural through the red stairs of a feisty fairy battling a satyr.
One of the most famous and well-known landmarks in all of New York City, located in the middle of the lively commercial district, The Stairs have become a symbol for the city and the activities it has to offer because of their location.
The people however, who developed a vision for the future of Times Square, wanted to create a place where people could enjoy it not just as a theater area but as a whole city.
Before the turn of the 20th century, they were just a set of wooden stairs leading to a Times Square theater and then two men, one a hotel owner and the other a city planner got together and developed a vision for a city where the magic of Times Square could come alive for all visitors and the red stairs would be the key factor.
Where Are The Red Stairs
The red stairs are located just to the west of the New York Times Building at 43rd and Broadway and you can see them from virtually anywhere in Times Square, beginning at the intersection of 42nd Street and 7th Avenue, the 27 ruby-red steps can accommodate around 1000 people at once and give anyone the perfect viewing point of the Theatre District.
How Did The Red Stairs Get Their Name
The people who first came to New York City in the late 1800s loved the Times Square of their day. It had playhouses, arcades, and vaudeville theaters. The heart of the Times Square of the late 1800s was the Times Square Theatre at 41st and Broadway. And it was a gorgeous place. A beaux arts theater, it was the largest and grandest playhouse in New York.
The lobby was covered with marble, the seats were plush velvet, the stage was neo-classical, and the ceiling was a mural depicting a golden age of music. But the Times Square of the late 1800s did not last forever.
The Stairs in Times Square are located in a part of Times Square that is bordered by a number of other tourist destinations, such as Rockefeller Center and the Museum of Modern Art. Discovering the city and its culture is made easy by the abundance of stores and eateries in the immediate vicinity.
The Significance Of The Red Stairs To Times Square
Not only are the Stairs in Times Square an instantly recognizable emblem of New York City but they also hold a unique and important place in the history of the city. They are a representation of the city’s dynamism and diversity and are a reflection of the constant activity that characterizes the metropolis.
In addition to serving as a reminder of the city’s resiliency and strength, The Stairs also serve as a reminder of both the city’s history and its foreseeable future.
What was once a workable answer to a problem with the city’s transportation system has evolved into one of its most recognizable symbols. The Stairs in Times Square are a significant piece of New York City’s heritage and culture, as well as a representation of the city’s power and resiliency in the face of adversity.