The historic 89-year-old Empire State Building in Manhattan, New York City, opened a brand new observatory on the 80th floor, in addition to the redesign of a museum on the second floor. The new observatory is in addition to the existing main deck on 86th floor.
The museum on the 2nd floor shows what the site looked like in the 1920s in full color!, Otis Elevator replicas — just like the originals installed when the building opened in 1931 — and even a King Kong-inspired office. Starting at the museum is a great way to take a trip back in time on your way up to the top.
The “NYC: Above and Beyond” interactive video exhibit in the new observatory on the 80th floor will help you navigate your way to all the sights across the five boroughs of New York City, based on the length of your stay. You can also send those itineraries to your phone for later access.
The main deck on the 86th floor is the biggest open-air observatory in New York. It wraps around the building’s spire and gives visitors 360-degree views of the city — including famous attractions such as Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Freedom Tower, Times Square and even the Statue of Liberty.
The newly-unveiled 102nd floor can be reached through the main deck on 86th floor by riding one of Otis’ all-glass Gen2 elevators. At the top the 24 floor-to-ceiling windows with 360-degree views of the city will make you go wow!
Ticket prices vary based on level of access, and ages of the people in your group. Adults for 80th-floor observatory costs $38 per person, whereas the 102nd floor costs $58 per person. The Empire State Building is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.