One of the most unique exhibitions is an augmented reality experience that can be seen by peering inside the classic binocular viewfinders inside the 80th floor. Looking in, you can see and move around the sights while hearing the sounds of New York City’s most notable locations, including the atrium of Grand Central Terminal, Statue of Liberty, United Nations, the High Line, Coney Island, and more. The binoculars also face in the directions of the landmarks!
Other exhibitions include “Artistry in Light” which gives an inside look at the tower lights of the Empire State Building, videos on how the light shows are produced, and a video about Steven Wiltshire’s famous skyline drawing of New York City he created at the Empire State Building completely by memory.
Views from the 86th floor observatory
The exhibition “NYC: Above & Beyond” allows visitors to create customized itineraries to all five boroughs, a feature created in partnership with New York City tourism board NYC & Company, that has a huge inventory of destinations (not just the touristic ones!). With Empire State Building one of the first destinations for many tourists, these itineraries can be downloaded to the phone by QR code or sent by email for easy discovery.
And a visit to the redesigned 102nd floor observatory is a real must now, with its floor to ceiling windows and the rare opportunity to photograph above the skyline of New York City.
Michelle is the founder of Untapped New York and the author of The Art Spy (HarperOne, forthcoming) Secret Brooklyn, Secret New York Hidden Bars & Restaurants, and Broadway. michelleyoungwriter.com
Views from the 86th floor observatory
