Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the observation deck offers breathtaking views of Central Park, The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and the Hudson River. The deck is situated on the 70th floor of the GE Building, also known as 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which is part of the Rockefeller Center complex, developed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and designed by Raymond Hood. The observation deck is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year, including fans of Saturday Night Live, which is taped nearby at NBC Studios.

Introduction

The observation deck provides an unparalleled view of the New York City skyline, with visibility of over 80 miles on a clear day, taking in sights such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center. Visitors can enjoy the views from both indoor and outdoor areas, including a glass-enclosed pavilion and an open-air roof deck, designed by Harrison & Abramovitz. The deck is also equipped with binoculars and interactive exhibits, including a Rockefeller Center exhibit, which explores the history of the complex, including its role in the 1939 World's Fair. The observation deck has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Gossip Girl, and 30 Rock, which was set in the GE Building.

History

The observation deck was originally opened in 1933, but it was closed in 1986 due to declining attendance and increased competition from other observation decks, such as the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center. The deck was renovated and reopened on November 1, 2005, by Tishman Speyer, with a new design by Harrison & Abramovitz and Kohn Pedersen Fox. The renovation included the addition of a new glass-enclosed pavilion and an open-air roof deck, as well as interactive exhibits and a gift shop. The observation deck has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, with over 3 million visitors per year, including visitors to nearby attractions such as Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall.

Architecture

The observation deck is located on the 70th floor of the GE Building, which was designed by Raymond Hood and completed in 1933, during the Great Depression. The building is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, with a distinctive limestone and granite facade, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, along with other Rockefeller Center buildings, including 1230 Avenue of the Americas and 1271 Avenue of the Americas. The observation deck itself was designed by Harrison & Abramovitz and features a sleek, modern design with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a glass-enclosed pavilion, offering stunning views of the New York City skyline, including the Chrysler Building, designed by William Van Alen, and the Seagram Building, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Features

The observation deck offers a range of features and amenities, including indoor and outdoor viewing areas, interactive exhibits, and a gift shop. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the New York City skyline from the 70th floor, as well as from the open-air roof deck on the 71st floor, which offers views of the Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades. The deck also features a range of interactive exhibits, including a Rockefeller Center exhibit, which explores the history of the complex, including its role in the 1939 World's Fair, and a NBC Studios exhibit, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the television network, including its shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Visitors can also enjoy a range of dining options, including the Rainbow Room, a fine dining restaurant located on the 65th floor of the GE Building, and the Bar SixtyFive, a cocktail bar located on the 65th floor.

Visitor_Information

The observation deck is open 365 days a year, from 8am to 12:30am, and offers a range of ticket options, including general admission, sunrise and sunset viewing, and VIP tours, which offer priority access to the deck and a guided tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, such as a New York City historian or a Rockefeller Center expert. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the door, and can also take advantage of a range of special offers and discounts, including discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel. The observation deck is also accessible by public transportation, including the New York City Subway and bus systems, with nearby stops at 50th Street (BMT Broadway Line) and Rockefeller Center (IND Sixth Avenue Line).

Impact

The observation deck has had a significant impact on the local economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year and supporting thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, including jobs in the hospitality industry, tourism industry, and retail industry. The deck has also become a popular destination for special events, including weddings, corporate events, and film shoots, and has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Gossip Girl, and 30 Rock. The observation deck has also played a role in promoting New York City as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world and showcasing the city's iconic skyline and landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square. The deck has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the American Institute of Architects Honor Award and the National Trust for Historic Preservation National Preservation Award, and has been designated as one of the Top 10 Observation Decks in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine.