For over two decades, the allure of Rockefeller Center has been a constant for those familiar with New York City. From early career days navigating the underground passageways of 1271 Avenue of the Americas to countless lunches near Radio City Music Hall and even overnight stays for Saturday Night Live tickets, this iconic complex has become a familiar landmark. Within this 22-acre hub nestled between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the Top of the Rock observation deck emerged in 2005, offering an exhilarating 45-second elevator journey to breathtaking open-air vistas on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
As someone captivated by heights and panoramic views across the globe, the initial visit to the Top of the Rock in 2008 was a thrill. However, with New York City boasting a plethora of sky-high vantage points—including the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, the Edge NYC, and Summit One Vanderbilt—returning to the Top Of Rock felt like revisiting familiar territory.
Yet, the recent unveiling of Skylift at Top of the Rock has redefined the experience. This innovative attraction, perched atop the 70th floor, elevates visitors 30 feet above the rooftop in a rotating, open-air platform, promising unparalleled 360-degree views. Securing a preview ride just before its public debut on October 1st offered a fresh perspective on this beloved New York City landmark.
Stepping onto the 69th-floor outdoor deck, the sheer magnitude of the New York City panorama is instantly captivating. While other platforms might claim greater altitudes or sleeker designs, the Top of the Rock’s 50th Street vantage point places you squarely at the city’s core. Positioned perfectly between the Hudson and East Rivers, the view stretches from the iconic Statue of Liberty in the south to the expansive Bronx in the north. This central location truly encapsulates the energy and grandeur of New York.
Ascending to the 70th floor, the subtle integration of Skylift into the Top of the Rock design is immediately apparent. At first glance, it resembles a simple, transparent circular enclosure nestled on the rooftop deck. However, upon entering through a discreet doorway and taking a position along the edge, the platform begins its ascent with an almost imperceptible smoothness. The seamlessness of the lift allows immediate immersion in the surrounding cityscape. Instinctively, one begins to turn, eager to absorb every angle. Then, almost magically, the platform initiates its rotation. The Skylift effortlessly orchestrates a tour of the city, requiring nothing more than to absorb the unfolding spectacle.
The sensation is akin to floating amidst New York City’s most celebrated landmarks. Facing north, Central Park unfolds like a vibrant green carpet, a stark contrast to the urban tapestry surrounding it. As the platform gracefully rotates counterclockwise, the familiar skyscrapers of Columbus Circle and Times Square, typically viewed from street level, take on a new dimension, now at eye level. The pinnacle of the rotation arrives with the southward view, dominated by the majestic Empire State Building. From this elevated perspective, nearly 900 feet above the ground, one can almost imagine being at eye level with King Kong himself, should he pause to admire the view. This unique positioning is what sets the Skylift experience at the Top of the Rock apart – it places you within, rather than just above, the cityscape.
While other observation decks offer skyline views, Top of the Rock’s Skylift fosters a sense of belonging within it. The Skylift’s design harmoniously blends with 30 Rock’s Art Deco architecture, dating back to its 1933 inception, while introducing a modern flair with 96 LED pixel flutes that emanate colors from the base, reaching skyward. The platform’s center also features a speaker system, subtly playing music, and a camera to capture a panoramic photo, enhancing the immersive experience.
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Adding another layer of thrill to the Skylift experience at Top of the Rock, midway through the three-and-a-half-minute rotation, the guide prompts you to look down. Unexpectedly, the frosted floor transforms into transparent glass. This heart-stopping moment amplifies the sensation of soaring above the city, delivering an adrenaline rush that perfectly aligns with the attraction’s intent.
According to EB Kelly, Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer and Head of Rockefeller Center, the goal was 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.” This vision has undoubtedly been realized with Skylift.
This innovative feature at the Top of the Rock subtly nods to other iconic Rockefeller Center hallmarks. “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 deliberate creation of a “whimsical moment” deeply rooted in Rockefeller Center’s heritage.
This connection to Rockefeller Center’s rich history, spanning nearly a century, distinguishes the Top of the Rock experience. Visitors can also engage with another iconic chapter 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 69th floor of Top of the Rock, The Beam attraction allows guests to pose on a similar beam, securely harnessed, capturing a memorable photo with playful props like tools and even doughnuts.
Further enhancing the Top of the Rock experience is The Weather Room, an eatery on the 67th floor. Its name pays homage to a Doppler radar that once resided on the 70th floor, from which weather forecasts were determined, adding another layer of historical context to the visit.
The Beam and The Weather Room, both introduced in 2023, along with a newly unveiled welcome gallery from the past summer and the Skylift, represent the final elements of Top of the Rock’s comprehensive modernization. This revitalization is part of a broader Rockefeller Center initiative to reinvent itself with thoughtfully curated modern retail and dining experiences. Notable additions include retailers like Rough Trade, McNally Jackson Books, N.Peal, Todd Snyder, and The Shops at NBC Studios, alongside dining destinations such as Pebble Bar, Smith & Mills, Lodi, Jupiter, Le Rock, NARO, and 5 Acres, enriching the overall visitor experience at Rockefeller Center.
Admission to the Top of the Rock ranges from $40 to $61 for adults, $34 to $55 for children (ages 6-12), and $38 to $59 for seniors (65+). The Beam and Skylift are available as add-ons for $25 and $35 per person, respectively. For an exclusive experience, a VIP Pass, including private access to both The Beam and Skylift, starts at $190.
In conclusion, as EB Kelly aptly stated, “Rockefeller Center is a place with history and authenticity.” For those seeking to truly experience the essence of New York, connecting with both its storied past and dynamic present, a visit to Rockefeller Center, and especially the Top of the Rock, is essential to “hear that story and feel a part of that history.” The Top of the Rock, with its new Skylift, offers not just a view, but an immersive experience at the very heart of New York City.
