Intro…
The Empire State Building is a prominent Art Deco skyscraper, comprising 102 stories, located in the Midtown South area of Manhattan, New York City. Designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, its construction took place between 1930 and 1931. The building’s name is inspired by the nickname of New York State, known as the “Empire State.”
Height: 381 m, 443 m to the tip
Floors: 102
Opened: May 1, 1931; 93 years ago
Construction commenced: March 17, 1930
Architects: Yasuo Matsui, Arthur Loomis Harmon, William F. Lamb, Gregory Johnson
Owner: Empire State Realty Trust
Observatory: 80th, 86th, and 102nd (top) floors
Cost: $40,948,900; (equivalent to $661 million in 2023)
Hours:
Tuesday 10 am–10 pm
Wednesday 10 am–10 pm
Thursday 10 am–10 pm
Friday 9 am–10 pm
Saturday 9 am–10 pm
Sunday 9 am–10 pm
Monday 10 am–10 pm
Why is Empire State Building so famous?
1. Architectural Achievement: Finished in 1931, it held the title of the tallest building globally for almost four decades, representing American ingenuity and advancement.
2. Iconic Recognition: Its distinctive Art Deco architecture and impressive stature have established it as a prominent element of the New York City skyline and a worldwide emblem of modernity and aspiration.
3. Cultural Importance: Appearing in numerous films, particularly King Kong (1933), and recognized internationally, the Empire State Building stands as a cultural landmark.
4. Tourist Attraction: With observation decks that provide sweeping views of the city, it draws millions of tourists annually.
5. Symbol of Endurance: Its construction during the Great Depression and its significance following the events of September 11th render it a symbol of resilience and hope.
6. Illuminated Displays: The building’s dynamic lighting showcases various holidays, events, and causes, enhancing its visibility and allure.
These elements have solidified the Empire State Building’s status as one of the most celebrated and cherished landmarks worldwide.
Top Ten Attractions in empire state building
The Empire State Building presents an array of experiences beyond its stunning vistas of New York City. Below are the ten key attractions to explore when visiting this renowned landmark:
1. Observation Decks (86th & 102nd Floors)
• Location: 86th floor (main deck) and 102nd floor (top deck)
• Significance: The observation decks serve as the main draw of the Empire State Building, providing visitors with 360-degree panoramic views of the city. The 86th floor features an open-air deck, while the 102nd floor offers a more elevated indoor experience.
• Highlights: Spectacular views of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
2. The Empire State Building Museum
• Location: Ground floor and lower levels
• Significance: This museum showcases the building’s history, from its construction during the Great Depression to its role as an architectural and cultural symbol.
• Highlights: Discover the building’s design, construction, and influence on New York City through historic photographs and interactive displays.
3. Art Deco Architecture
• Location: Throughout the building
• Significance: The Empire State Building is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, featuring elaborate details in its lobby and throughout the structure. The lobby stands out with its polished marble walls, elevator doors, and decorative elements.
• Highlights: The building’s design reflects the elegance and innovation of the roaring ’20s and the Art Deco movement, offering visitors a glimpse into a past era of sophistication.
4. “The Empire State Building: A Historical Narrative” Exhibit
• Location: 80th Floor
• Significance: This engaging exhibit narrates the story of the building’s construction, highlighting how it was completed in just over a year and emerged as a symbol of New York’s resilience during the Great Depression.
• Notable Features: The exhibit includes interactive displays featuring historic photographs, videos, and artifacts that illustrate the vision and challenges faced in the construction of the Empire State Building.
5. Virtual Reality Experience (King Kong 360 3D)
• Location: Inside the Empire State Building’s exhibit area
• Significance: This immersive virtual reality experience transports visitors into a dynamic scene featuring King Kong atop the Empire State Building. Utilizing VR technology, it recreates the iconic 1933 film moment of the giant ape confronting aircraft.
• Notable Features: The exhilarating virtual experience allows participants to feel as though they are part of one of the most renowned scenes in cinematic history.
6. LED Lighting Displays
• Location: Building Exterior
• Significance: The lighting of the Empire State Building frequently changes to commemorate special events, holidays, and various causes. Its illumination is visible throughout the city and has become a defining feature of New York’s skyline.
• Notable Features: The lights are often adjusted for significant holidays (such as red, white, and blue for Independence Day) or to recognize important events and awareness initiatives (like breast cancer awareness).
7. Glass-Floor Viewing at the Empire State Building
• Location: 86th-floor observation deck
• Significance: Beyond its panoramic views, the 86th-floor observation deck includes glass floor panels that enable visitors to gaze directly down at the streets of Manhattan below.
• Notable Features: This experience offers an exhilarating and somewhat vertigo-inducing perspective of the city from a distinctive vantage point.
8. Sustainability Initiatives of the Empire State Building
• Location: Throughout the structure
• Significance: In recent years, the Empire State Building has implemented a range of eco-friendly renovations aimed at enhancing its environmental performance. These improvements have resulted in the building achieving a prestigious LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
• Key Features: Guests can explore the building’s energy-efficient upgrades, which include newly installed windows, enhanced insulation, and a modernized lighting system designed to minimize energy usage.
9. Street-Level Views of the Building’s Exterior
• Location: 34th Street & Fifth Avenue (at street level)
• Significance: The building’s exterior presents a breathtaking view, particularly when illuminated at night. The lobby and the grand entrance on Fifth Avenue are also notable for their architectural beauty.
• Key Features: The Empire State Building’s art deco façade and entrance are iconic, making it one of the most photographed landmarks globally.
10. Annual Events and Festivities
• Location: Throughout the year
• Significance: The Empire State Building organizes various special events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, lighting ceremonies, and holiday festivities that attract large audiences. It frequently hosts exhibits or events related to global issues or New York-centric themes.
• Key Features: The annual lighting ceremonies at the Empire State Building provide a chance to experience its spectacular light displays firsthand, while events such as the New Year’s Eve countdown draw visitors from around the world.
Shopping and Dining at the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building presents an array of shopping and dining experiences for its visitors, offering a convenient opportunity to savor refreshments or acquire distinctive souvenirs while exploring this renowned landmark.
Shopping at the Empire State Building
1. Empire State Building Gift Shop
– Location: Ground floor (main entrance)
– Unique Features: The gift shop at the Empire State Building showcases a diverse selection of souvenirs, including miniature replicas of the building, postcards, t-shirts, mugs, and various themed merchandise.
– Notable Items: – Collectibles related to the Empire State Building – Souvenirs from New York City, such as “I Love NY” products – Limited edition items that highlight the building’s historical significance.
2. Museum Store (Story of the Empire State Building)
– Location: Adjacent to the exhibit areas on the 80th floor
– Unique Features: Within the museum and exhibit spaces, visitors can discover a curated collection of books focused on architecture, the history of New York, and the Empire State Building itself.
– Notable Items: Literature detailing the history of the Empire State Building and New York City – Gifts inspired by architecture and design – Art Deco-themed items and collectibles
3. Holiday Pop-Up Shops (Seasonal)
– Location: Near the entrance or in lobby areas during the holiday season
– Unique Features: During the festive season, special pop-up shops frequently appear, offering limited-edition gifts, holiday decorations, and other seasonal merchandise related to the Empire State Building and New York.
Dining at the Empire State Building
Although the Empire State Building does not boast an extensive selection of restaurants compared to other regions in New York, it does provide a few casual dining choices alongside a fine-dining experience for visitors to enjoy.
1. State Grill and Bar
• Location: Situated on the ground floor, immediately upon entering the building’s main entrance.
• Atmosphere: This upscale American restaurant presents a sophisticated dining experience, blending modern elegance with classic Art Deco aesthetics.
• Menu:
o Seasonal American dishes emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients
o Options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, including burgers, seafood, steaks, and salads
o A variety of cocktails, wines, and desserts
• Why It’s Special: State Grill and Bar delivers an exceptional meal in a luxurious environment, making it an ideal spot to relax after exploring the Empire State Building. The restaurant is renowned for its delectable cuisine and stunning Art Deco-inspired décor.
2. Cafe at the Empire State Building
• Location: Located within the Empire State Building’s lobby or adjacent to the observation area (season-dependent).
• What’s Special: This casual café provides a more laid-back, fast-casual dining experience. It offers a selection of snacks, light meals, and beverages for those seeking a quick refuel without the need for a full sit-down meal.
• Menu:
o Coffee, pastries, and light snacks such as sandwiches or wraps
o Cold beverages, including juices, sodas, and bottled water
• Why It’s Special: This café is ideal for a quick snack or coffee before or after visiting the observation decks. It is particularly convenient for those wishing to minimize their dining time in favor of sightseeing.
3. The Observatory’s VIP Experience (Private Dining Option)
• Location: Offered through the Empire State Building’s VIP Experience for special events or group gatherings.
• What’s Special: The Empire State Building provides a VIP experience that may include a private tour of the observation decks, complemented by exclusive dining options available.
• Menu: Tailored to the preferences of the group or the specific requirements of the event, generally featuring upscale appetizers and beverages.
• Unique Aspects: This offering is designed exclusively for groups or special occasions, delivering a luxurious experience complemented by breathtaking views.
FINAL DECISION :
The Empire State Building itself provides several dining options, such as the State Grill and Bar for a more refined experience or a casual café for light refreshments. Additionally, it includes a gift shop with a range of souvenirs. However, due to its prime location in the heart of Manhattan, visitors can easily access a broader array of restaurants and shopping venues nearby, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Tickets & Offers Information
Main Deck
86th Floor NYC Observatory
Experience New York’s renowned open-air observatory. Enjoy panoramic 360° views of the city, including iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, among others.
A booking fee of $5 is applied to each transaction.
Prices Begin At: Adult: $44.00 Child: $38.00 Senior: $42.00
Top Deck
102nd & 86th Floor Observation Decks
Elevate your New York City adventure. Our newly designed 102nd floor provides unparalleled floor-to-ceiling vistas that extend up to 80 miles on a clear day.
A booking fee of $5 is applied to each transaction.
PRICES BEGIN AT: Adult: $79.00 Child: $73.00 Senior: $77.00.