Looking for a King sized experience in NYC? Look no further than the newly re-imagined Empire State Building. Visitors to New York City’s most iconic skyscraper can now soak up panoramic views of Manhattan and beyond from the newly reopened 102nd floor, come face to face with King Kong himself in one of the gorgeous and fully immersive gallery exhibits opened this Summer, and take in all of the city’s splendor from the world’s most iconic skyscraper.
Photo Credit: @firethecanon
The opening of the observatory is the third stage to the building’s top-to-bottom re-imagining of the Empire State Building experience. Last year a new observatory entrance debuted at 20 West 34th Street, and in July immersive museum-quality galleries that highlight the building’s history and role in pop culture opened on the second floor. Truthfully, the observatory opening is the icing on the already iconic skyscraper cake. And the views are as sweet as you would imagine.
We were recently invited by the Empire State Building to experience the new galleries and observatory. With the incredible exhibits, immersive theatrics, and the one of the most jaw dropping views we have ever experienced, our Empire State Building visit has quickly cemented itself as one of our New York favorites.
Haven’t been to the building? Been meaning to visit with the family? Now is the time! The Empire State Building has never before been so exciting, A look below at what you can expect during your visit.
An Iconic Entrance
There’s a new entrance for welcoming guests, which includes an incredibly detailed building replica – perfect for family photo ops. The lobby entrance is also so much bigger and spacious. The space feels open and inviting., and the beautiful photography teases the exciting experience that is awaiting guests at the top.
Gallery Fun
The 10,000-square-foot galleries are part of a $165 million project which began more than four years ago,. They include several displays that tell the history of the building from its construction to its prominent place as the iconic skyscraper of New York.
Here visitors will be transported back in time to the original Empire State Building construction site. While steel beams fly overhead, visitors interact with the sounds of New York City and join in the conversation with specially commissioned cast sculptures of construction workers as they work and take their lunch break.
Planned using input from past visitors, the photo op-friendly display includes nine interactive exhibits that trace the history of the 1,250-foot tower—which was the world’s tallest building for 40 years. Here’s a quick highlight at some of our favorites:
- The Site: Black-and-white panoramic images depicting NYC streets at the time.
- Construction: Inspired by Lewis Hine’s photography and featuring sounds during the process along with animated videos of construction workers at the building site.
- A Grand Opening: A set of animated videos of NYC streets in the 1930s at the time the building opened.
- Otis Elevators: Showcasing the building’s original elevators, how they were operated, and includes a simulator of the elevator shaft.
- World’s Most Famous Building: Amazing display of movies, comic books, TV shows, and video games that feature the Empire State Building.
- and our favorite….
Fit for a King (Kong)
The Eighth Wonder Of The World has finally made his way back to New York City, where he is one of the centerpieces of a new ESB museum commemorating the history of the building. Yes – in the new immersive gallery experience you can get up close and personal with King himself. A fun photo opp, and a great way to commemorate the iconic pop icon.
Photo Credit: Empire State Building via @firethecanon
Photo Credit: Empire State Building via @firethecanon
Photo Credit: Empire State Building via @firethecanon
Sunrise over the City
There is nothing like seeing the greatest city in the world awaken in the morning. We were lucky enough to be invited to a sunrise experience, which means we watched the sun rise over Manhattan from the observatory. It was an early morning (with an arrival time of 6:15am) but when you can see the sun come over the city that never sleeps from over 1,250 feet – you grab a coffee and make it happen.
Look at these views! It was like sitting in a jewel box in the sky. It was a once-in-a-lifetime, pinch me experience that we will always cherish.
A Sunrise Experience at the Empire State Building is available to anyone, and will allow guests to take in the 360-degree views of the city from the 86th floor observatory as the sun comes up. Those who head up to the observatory about 30 minutes before sunrise will also get a fairly uninterrupted view of the city. As no more than 100 tickets will be sold per sunrise, the experience is guaranteed to be more peaceful and serene.
Photo Credit above/below: Empire State Building via @firethecanon
As High as you Can go – The 102nd Floor
With floor to ceiling glass windows and being up 1,250 feet above the street level – as you would have guessed – the views are INCREDIBLE. Not just a breathtaking view, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows make for an amazing connection between guests and this historic icon (and perfect for those little guests who can get right into the views without a fence or railing obstruction).
The best of both worlds – here the view from the refurbished external deck on the 86th floor.
Interested in booking your tour? The observatories and new galleries are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Visitors will pay $42 to access the exhibits and 86th-floor observatory, children age 6-12 aare $36. Those who wish to venture to the 102nd-floor deck pay an additional $20. Little ones under age 6 are free! More information HERE. For Sunrise and Sunset Experience click HERE.
A huge thank you to the Empire State Building for this incredible experience. This is one experience (and view!) that we will never forget.
