Masonry in the Media - The Plaza Hotel & Rockefeller Center

Words: Lily Burger

Photos: gregobagel, johnandersonphoto, stockinasia, Teamjackson


The locations and settings of films create a new layer of storytelling and can shape the atmosphere of the scene. As the holidays draw near, take some time to revisit some classic holiday films that feature impressive and festive masonry structures.

The Plaza Hotel - Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
The Plaza Hotel, located in New York City, was completed in 1907, designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. This Beaux-Arts style building features materials like white brick and Breccia marble in its construction. Its ornate facade and detailed stone carvings emphasize the role of skilled masons in its creation. The Plaza’s grand exterior, with its iconic mansard roof and French Renaissance influences showcases the craftsmanship of the early 20th century masonry, making it a part of New York’s architectural heritage.

In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, the Plaza Hotel’s majestic masonry is a symbol of luxury and grandeur, underscoring the film’s whimsical take on wealth and adventure. The hotel’s ornate stone facades, with their detailed carvings and towering presence, reflect the high status that Kevin McCallister, the young protagonist, embraces during his stay. The Plaza’s use of traditional masonry enhances its role as a dream destination for Kevin, turning it into a backdrop for both comedic mischief and fantastical escape.

 

Rockefeller Center - Elf
Rockefeller Center is a landmark in New York City, renowned for its Art Deco architecture and masonry. The complex consists of 19 buildings, with the centerpiece being 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Its masonry combines Indiana limestone and granite, with sleek, vertical lines typical of Art Deco style. Intricate stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and decorative sculptures enhance its facade. The construction utilized a steel framework, allowing for tall elegant structures while the masonry cladding provides strength and beauty.

In Elf, Rockefeller Center acts as a pivotal backdrop for the movie’s heartwarming moments when Buddy confesses his love for Jovie as they ice skate in front of Rockefeller Center. As Rockefeller Center is known for its holiday cheer during Christmas, the audience gets to experience the holiday magic Buddy is trying to spread throughout the film as they take in the scenery. The solid, monumental architecture of the center enhances the film’s themes of holiday tradition and wonder, grounding its fantastical story in a real-world setting that embodies New York City’s festive spirit.

 


About: Masonry in the Media
No Shortcuts: The Journey of Real Stone
February 2026

Have you ever stopped and really thought about how that stone on the wall got there? I don’t mean the install...not the mortar, the scratch coat, or the clean-up. I mean the whole journey. From the first cut in the earth to the

Rob McKay
Technical Talks
Read More
Stop Gambling on the Wall: Why the Modern Jobsite Demands a Sure Thing
February 2026

If you have spent any time walking the carpeted aisles of the World of Concrete, you know the vibe. It is a sensory overload of heavy machinery, slick demos, and the collective optimism of thousands of contractors. We are in Las Vegas, the gambling capita

Shayne Sanders
Technical Talks
Read More
Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

Tiffany Tillema
Technical Talks
Read More
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →