Top of the Rock Observation Deck Reopens in NYC

Today, a historic New York City landmark will open its doors once again. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center is now open to the public and making special offers to help celebrate the occasion. On the weekend of August 14th to August 16th, the Observation Deck will be free of charge for all essential workers, children under the age of 12 until get in free until labor day, and from August 14th to August 16th everyone gets a free scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer and photographer Mike Mabes.

Tishman Speyer (the real estate company that owns Rockefeller Center) announced last week that the famed viewing platform was preparing to open its doors once again. The Top of the Rock was forced to temporarily close back in March to help limit the spread of COVID-19. However, the Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center has the benefit of being one of the largest in New York City, with more than 9,500 square feet of outdoor deck space. The size of the space will help facilitate social distancing and allow the space to operate safely. Additional safety measures in place include a limit on the number of people admitted at a single time and only selling tickets in advance.

“We can’t wait to once again share the magic of Top of the Rock with everyone,” said Rob Speyer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tishman Speyer. “Nowhere is New York City more inspiring than from the 70th floor, where you feel like you can touch Central Park and the entire city beyond, from Yankee Stadium to the Statue of Liberty, from Flushing Meadows all the way to New Jersey. We are thrilled to welcome back New Yorkers, in a safe and socially distanced way, to rediscover these breathtaking views.”

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer and the photographer Bart Barlow.

Sitting atop the 70-story peak of 30 Rockefeller, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers one of the best 360-degree panoramic views of New York City. Its opening marks another step in the city’s reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, yet it is not the only pandemic related news to come out of Rockefeller Center this week. On August 1, a new public art installation named The Flag Project opened at Rockefeller Center, displaying 193 newly-designed flags meant to display the strength, diversity, and resiliency of New Yorkers during the coronavirus pandemic. Similarly, back in June giant masks were placed over the statues in Rockefeller Center as a tribute to essential workers. In April, a giant “New York Tough” sign was placed over the ice rink there as well.

Next, check out 20 Public Art Installations Not to Miss in NYC this Month and 6 NYC Botanical Gardens You Can Visit this Summer