For over two decades, Rockefeller Center has been more than just a landmark in my New York City life; it’s been a constant, a familiar touchstone in a city of perpetual change. From my early career days navigating the underground passages beneath 1271 Avenue of the Americas to countless lunch breaks near the grandeur of Radio City Music Hall, and even nights spent eagerly awaiting Saturday Night Live tickets, “the Rock,” as many New Yorkers affectionately call it, has always felt like a second home. This 22-acre hub, nestled between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, has witnessed my personal and professional growth, offering a sense of comfort amidst the urban bustle.
Then, in 2005, Rockefeller Center unveiled a revitalized jewel in its crown: Top of the Rock Observation Deck. A swift, 45-second elevator ride transported visitors to breathtaking open-air decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, placing them squarely in the heart of Midtown Manhattan’s awe-inspiring cityscape. As someone captivated by heights and panoramic vistas around the globe, I was naturally drawn to experience Top of the Rock soon after its reopening. However, with New York City boasting a constellation of other sky-high attractions – the iconic Empire State Building, the towering One World Observatory, and the more recent additions of Edge NYC and Summit One Vanderbilt – returning to Top of the Rock to simply soak in familiar views wasn’t a priority.
That changed recently with the announcement of Skylift, Top of the Rock’s newest marvel. Imagine being lifted even higher above this already elevated vantage point, a cherry on top of the urban cake. This open-air, circular platform ascends 30 feet above the 70th floor, gracefully rotating 360 degrees to offer an uninterrupted, panoramic spectacle of the city. Fortunately, I had the exclusive opportunity to preview Skylift just before its public debut.
Stepping onto the 69th-floor outdoor deck, I paused, struck by the quintessential New York moment unfolding before me. While other observation decks might claim greater altitudes or sleeker designs, Top of the Rock’s midtown perch, at 50th Street, delivers an unmatched sense of being at the very core of the metropolis. Positioned perfectly between the Hudson and East Rivers, the view stretched from the iconic Statue of Liberty in the south to the sprawling cityscape of the Bronx in the north. This wasn’t just a view of New York; it felt like being in New York in its purest form.
Ascending to the 70th floor, the Skylift initially appeared unassuming. A circular enclosure of clear fiberglass blended seamlessly with the rooftop deck. But as a guide opened the entrance, I stepped inside and positioned myself along the edge. The platform began its ascent, so smooth and gradual that the upward movement was almost imperceptible. My attention was immediately captured by the unfolding cityscape. As I instinctively turned to absorb every angle, the platform began to rotate, effortlessly presenting a 360-degree panorama. Skylift became a curated tour of the city, requiring nothing more than my gaze to take it all in.
Floating above the city’s architectural masterpieces was an almost surreal experience. Facing north, Central Park unfurled like a vibrant green carpet. As Skylift rotated counterclockwise, familiar landmarks like Columbus Circle and Times Square, usually experienced from street level, took on a new dimension from this elevated perspective, now eye-level with their towering heights. Then, as the platform turned south, the Empire State Building emerged as the undeniable centerpiece. From this vantage point, hundreds of feet in the air, I imagined a King Kong perched atop the Empire State Building would find himself at eye level with Skylift’s occupants, should he choose to pause his climb and admire the view. That’s the immersive intimacy Skylift provides – a feeling of being interwoven with the very fabric of the city.
While other observation decks offer perspectives of the skyline, Skylift places you within it. It’s a seamless fusion of Top of the Rock’s classic Art Deco design, dating back to 1933, and a modern twist. Ninety-six LED pixel flutes, radiating colors from the base, ascend into the sky, adding a touch of contemporary artistry. The platform’s central speaker subtly plays music, and a built-in camera captures a panoramic photo, encapsulating the experience.
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A breathtaking aerial view of a couple enjoying the Top of the Rock Skylift experience in New York City, showcasing the panoramic vistas and unique perspective.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Midway through the three-and-a-half-minute ride, our guide prompted us to look down. The frosted glass floor beneath our feet transformed into transparent panels, revealing the city streets far below. This unexpected feature added a thrilling jolt of adrenaline to the sensation of floating above New York, a deliberate design element to amplify the experience.
“We really wanted to create a special experience that took advantage of our outdoor space, that made you really continue to feel the wind in your hair and the sights and sounds of New York around you, but to do it in a way that created a moment that was a little bit thrilling, a little bit breathtaking,” explained EB Kelly, Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer and Head of Rockefeller Center.
This design echoes elements of Rockefeller Center’s rich history. “The rotating floor of the sky lift evokes the iconic rotating dance floor of the Rainbow Room a couple of floors below us and the experience of twirling on The Rink downstairs in the wintertime,” Kelly added, highlighting the intention to infuse a sense of “whimsical moment” into the Skylift experience, connecting it to the Center’s legacy.
This connection to Rockefeller Center’s nearly century-long history is what truly distinguishes the experience. Visitors can also engage with another iconic piece of history by recreating the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph. Taken during the construction of the RCA Building (now 30 Rock), this image captured 11 ironworkers perched on a beam high above the city. Now, on the same 69th floor, “The Beam” allows visitors to pose on a similar beam, securely harnessed, and capture their own version of this iconic shot, complete with playful props like tools and even donuts.
Furthering the journey through Rockefeller Center’s past, The Weather Room eatery on the 67th floor pays homage to a Doppler radar that once resided on the 70th floor, where weather forecasts were determined. The Beam and The Weather Room, both opened in 2023, along with a new welcome gallery from the past summer, complete Top of the Rock’s recent modernization, alongside Skylift. This revitalization is part of a broader effort across Rockefeller Center to reinvent itself with thoughtfully curated retailers like Rough Trade, McNally Jackson Books, N.Peal, Todd Snyder, and The Shops at NBC Studios, and diverse dining options including Pebble Bar, Smith & Mills, Lodi, Jupiter, Le Rock, NARO, and 5 Acres.
Admission to Top of the Rock ranges from $40 to $61 for adults, with varied pricing for children and seniors. The Beam experience is a $25 add-on, and Skylift is an additional $35 per person. For a truly exclusive experience, a VIP Pass, including private access to both The Beam and Skylift, starts at $190.
“Rockefeller Center is a place with history and authenticity,” Kelly concluded. “If you want to see the real New York and connect with New York of 90 years ago and New York of today, you must come to Rockefeller Center to hear that story and feel a part of that history.” For a truly unique perspective on the city, and a thrilling new way to experience “The Rock New York,” the Skylift at Top of the Rock is an unmissable destination.
