From One World Observatory to the top of the Empire State Building, several of New York City’s tallest landmarks are known for their world-class observation decks. The same can be said for the Top of the Rock, a spectacular viewpoint located atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center. This must-see observation deck welcomes millions of visitors annually, and it just received a major upgrade that’s likely to make it more popular than ever. Here are all the details.
History of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
The 19 commercial buildings that comprise Rockefeller Center were constructed in the 1930s. The center’s star architectural attraction is 30 Rockefeller Plaza (formerly known as the RCA Building), a 70-foot-tall art deco marvel that opened in 1933.
Since then, 30 Rock has become an indelible part of New York City culture, serving as the home for the television studios where NBC shows such as The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live are filmed. Each year, the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit in front of 30 Rock. But throughout the year, its most popular tourist attraction is the Top of the Rock observation area, which occupies the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.
Top of the Rock also opened in 1933, becoming the first major attraction in Rockefeller Center open to the public. It was an immediate sensation, welcoming 1,300 daily visitors at the time. In 1986, Top of the Rock was closed for extensive renovations, finally reopening in 2005. Today’s visitors will find themselves 850 feet above the streets of midtown Manhattan, with panoramic views of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and an array of other New York City landmarks.
The Skylift Debuts
On October 1, 2024, a cutting-edge feature opened atop the observation deck. The Skylift is an open-air mechanical platform that takes visitors an additional three stories into the sky above 30 Rock. Complementing the building’s original design, it also features an art deco style and is adorned with 96 LED flutes, allowing for spectacular light displays.
Once you’re settled in, the 5-foot glass barrier will keep you safe and secure as you ascend. After the platform reaches its apex at nearly 900 feet above ground, you’ll be treated to panoramic and unobstructed views of New York City as you revolve 360 degrees around. As a bonus, the Skylift automatically captures footage of each guest’s journey, offering you the chance to purchase photographic keepsakes to remember this one-of-a-kind experience.
The Skylift operates daily between 8 a.m. and midnight, and costs an additional $35 on top of the general admission observation deck ticket. People of all heights and ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Another Must-See: The Beam
Skylift isn’t the only must-see recent addition at Top of the Rock. In late 2023, a new attraction called the Beam opened, commemorating the famous 1932 photograph titled “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.” The iconic photo depicts several men who helped build Rockefeller Center eating their lunch while seated atop a steel beam suspended dozens of stories over Manhattan. The Beam experience allows guests to recreate that iconic photo in a modern, safe setting.
Guests can purchase supplemental tickets to experience a replica steel beam that was installed on the 69th floor of 30 Rock. After guests are strapped in with their safety harnesses, the beam ascends 12 feet high and rotates 180 degrees over the course of 90 seconds. Guests are photographed sitting atop the beam, much like the original construction workers who posed for the 1932 photo. (Unfortunately, no eating is allowed on the Beam, so leave your lunch at home.)
How To Visit 30 Rock
Tickets to the Top of the Rock observation area can be purchased on the official website, and it’s recommended to do so early in case your desired time slot sells out. There are various times available throughout the day, and you can also upgrade to an Express or VIP Pass for an added fee. The VIP Pass gets you access to a private experience on both the Skylift and the Beam, as well as expedited entry, which could be particularly useful if you’re trying to visit multiple New York City attractions in one day.
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