Olivia Benson Plaza pop-up at Rockefeller Center celebrates ‘Law & Order: SVU’s’ 25th anniversary
NEW YORK — Olivia Benson — the iconic character portrayed by Mariska Hargitay on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” since 1999 — has been immortalized in Rockefeller Center in commemoration of the series’ 25th anniversary.
In honor of the beloved detective on the long-running NBC procedural, the character’s name has temporarily taken over 30 Rock with an immersive pop-up late this week.
Through Friday at 6 p.m., Olivia Benson Plaza is open to the public, offering free beverages from the Benson & Co. Coffee truck, provided by La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Each cup features special latte art of various characters from the Dick Wolf-created drama.
Once fans go through subway turnstiles, they can participate in “SVU”-themed trivia or take snapshots in a photo booth.
There’s also a kiosk offering commemorative 25th-anniversary newspapers, limited-edition T-shirts, and black tote bags with the show’s famous “Dun Dun” sound effect printed on the front.
“SVU” friendship bracelets emblazoned with “WWOBD” (What Would Olivia Benson Do) are also on sale, with 25% of the proceeds earmarked for Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation, supporting victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
With its new season, the New York City-set series hit a major milestone in television history as one of the longest-running shows ever. Hargitay’s Benson also stands as the longest-running live-action character on prime-time TV.
March 24 marks the official anniversary of “Law & Order: SVU.” The USA Network will air a 25-hour marathon to mark the occasion.
New episodes drop on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and are available to stream the next day on Peacock.