In 1964. Rizzoli New York joined the ranks of prestigious American institutions when it first opened the Rizzoli Bookstore on Fifth Avenue. In the following years, the landmark book store not only became the center for the company’s national expansion but within a decade later, established their publishing house renowned today for high-quality, illustrated books. Beginning their publishing operation in 1974, they became a leader in the fashion, interior design, culinary, art, architecture, and photography fields. Rizzoli’s Universe Publishing imprint was added in 1990, marking Rizzoli’s entrée into the pop-culture/sub-culture worlds of humor, beauty, sports, performing arts, and gay and alternative lifestyles, as well as a highly successful calendar program.