Located in the heart of Manhattan, Summit One Vanderbilt New York is one of the city’s newest attractions, debuting in 2020. This remarkable destination offers a multisensory experience alongside unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Discover its fascinating history, practical tips, and everything you need to know to visit this architectural gem.
To enhance stability, the tower features advanced engineering, including a 520-ton tuned mass damper near its peak, reducing wind-induced vibrations.
The observatory officially opened in October 2021 and quickly became a must-visit destination. Visitors are drawn to its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which provide uninterrupted 360-degree views of Manhattan. Adding to the allure is “Air” by Kenzo Digital, a mesmerizing multisensory installation of mirrors and lights that captivates guests with dynamic reflections.
Internationally celebrated, Summit One Vanderbilt earned the 1st Place award in the Immersive Experience category at the 2022 Blooloop Innovation Awards. Today, it stands as both a cultural and architectural icon in Midtown Manhattan, symbolizing New York City’s commitment to innovation.
Planning your visit to Summit One Vanderbilt New York is key to ensuring a memorable and seamless experience. Accordingly, to make the most of your time at this iconic New York City observatory, following a few essential tips is highly recommended. First, be sure to book your tickets in advance to secure your entry, particularly during peak seasons when demand is high.
Additionally, arriving early offers several benefits, including avoiding long lines and enjoying a more tranquil visit. The observatory’s breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan are best experienced on clear days, so be sure to check the weather before heading out. For those looking to capture stunning photos, avoid wearing reflective clothing to ensure sharp and clear images. Furthermore, don’t miss the opportunity to use the mirrors and lights in the immersive “Air” installation for creative and dynamic shots.
Here are some other key tips to ensure you make the most of your visit:
| Location: | 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 |
| Entrance: | There are three entrances to SUMMIT: The first is through the Transit Hall at One Vanderbilt, located at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd St. The second entrance from the street is located at 45 East 42nd Street. You can also enter through the Main Concourse Level of Grand Central Terminal. |
Included:
Not included:
*Tickets managed by Hellotickets
Included:
Not Included:
*Tickets managed by Hellotickets
SUMMIT offers an array of incredible attractions that push the limits of imagination. Each experience is designed to enhance your visit and leave a lasting impression. Among the standout features, you’ll discover:
Ascent
One of the most thrilling experiences at SUMMIT is Ascent, a glass elevator that takes visitors to an extraordinary height of 368 meters on the building’s exterior. During the ride, the elevator stops for a brief moment, allowing you to marvel at spectacular views of New York, with landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park in the distance. It’s an exhilarating journey you won’t forget!
Levitation
At Levitation, transparent glass platforms extend from the building at a height of 324 meters, giving you the unique opportunity to step above iconic streets like Madison Avenue. The sensation of walking in mid-air is both exciting and surreal, but be aware if you’re sensitive to heights!
Air
Created by Kenzo Digital, Air is an immersive experience that blends light and reflection in stunning ways. The adventure begins in a hall of mirrors called Transcendence, where the sky, clouds, and architecture of Manhattan appear to multiply infinitely. Then, the journey continues with Transcendence 2, enveloping you in a vast, limitless space. Next, the Affinity installation showcases floating silver balloons that interact with both the visitors and the environment, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. The experience concludes with Unity, which blends physical and digital realms, followed by Air at Night, a dazzling display of light and color.
Reflect
Designed by renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, Reflect is a captivating art installation of mirrors that reflect both the vibrant lights and the iconic cityscape of New York. This stunning space seamlessly blends art and architecture, offering a unique and mesmerizing view of the city.
Après
After exploring, relax at Après, a stylish bar-restaurant on the 93rd floor. With its contemporary design and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a signature cocktail or a warm coffee while taking in the breathtaking views of the city below.
Terrace
For those who love the outdoors, Terrace is the perfect spot. This open-air observation deck offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, stretching up to 80 miles. It’s the ultimate place to enjoy the scenery and fully appreciate the beauty of New York.
*Tickets managed by Hellotickets
From SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, visitors are treated to some of the most breathtaking views of New York City, offering a unique perspective of the city’s iconic skyline. Located in the heart of Midtown, this observation deck provides almost 360-degree views of the city, allowing you to see various landmarks and districts in stunning detail.
Here you have what you can see from SUMMIT:
This vast green oasis stands out amidst the urban sprawl, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the park’s expansive layout, especially mesmerizing during the changing seasons.
One of New York’s most iconic structures, the Empire State Building is visible from SUMMIT, dominating the skyline. Its impressive height and art deco design are highlighted when seen from above, offering a sense of its true scale.
To the south, visitors can spot One World Trade Center, symbolizing resilience and strength. The view also includes the Financial District, Wall Street, and other prominent landmarks that define the city’s financial heartbeat.
Located to the west, this modern district is home to architectural wonders like The Vessel and The Edge. From SUMMIT, the glass-and-steel designs of the buildings in Hudson Yards stand in sharp contrast to older parts of the city.
The Statue of Liberty is visible from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, offering a stunning view from the observation deck. Situated in New York Harbor, the statue stands as a symbol of freedom and is clearly visible in the distance, making for a memorable sight from this elevated vantage point.
The outdoor terrace offers views of the East River, along with iconic bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge and Queensboro Bridge, connecting Manhattan to its neighboring boroughs.
One of the most striking sights from SUMMIT is the sunset. As the sun sets, the city is bathed in golden light, casting long shadows across the skyline and creating a magical view of Midtown Manhattan and beyond.
You can enjoy a fantastic view of Bryant Park From SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a charming green oasis located between 42nd Street and 6th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the park offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle. You can see its lush lawns, the nearby New York Public Library, and the vibrant atmosphere of the park’s visitors, all set against the backdrop of the urban skyline.
From SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, you’ll have a clear view of the iconic Chrysler Building, one of New York City’s most famous landmarks. This Art Deco skyscraper stands tall in Midtown Manhattan and can be seen from SUMMIT’s observation deck with its stunning silver spire and intricate architectural details. Its striking design and unique shape make it a standout feature in the city’s skyline, easily recognizable from many angles in the surrounding area.
*Tickets managed by Hellotickets
Photo by Michael Huh on Unsplash, showcasing the illuminated Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City
New York is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. From its iconic skyscrapers to its vibrant neighborhoods and relaxing parks, every corner of the city offers something unique. Here are some of the top attractions you can’t miss during your visit:
