ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY, NYC
What is One World Observatory?
Open to the public since May 29, 2016.
One World Observatory is at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Positioned on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of One World Trade Center, One World Observatory offers guests unique, panoramic views of New York City’s iconic sights, surrounding waters and skyline from above 1,250 feet. The experience goes beyond the amazing view as guests can explore the levels of the Observatory filled with innovation, inspiration and an incredible elevator ride to the top.
A customized guest experience complements the seemingly endless views – which evoke feelings of the City’s signature pride, hope and determination – and include exhibits and dining options, including a sit-down restaurant. The experience takes about 45-60 minutes.
The Observatory entrance is located on the corner between West St. And Vesey St., along the West Side Highway. Guards can direct you to the proper line (depending on if you have tickets or need to purchase them).
Upon entry, guests are greeted in the Global Welcome Center, where a large video board will feature salutations in an array of languages, and a dynamically generated world map will highlight the hometowns of visitors.
Guests then proceed to Voices, which tells the personal stories of the men and women who built One World Trade Center, and Foundations, which displays facts about the very bedrock on which the building stands.
Guests will then see the Bedrock Foundation, which is 500 million years old, on which the building stands.
Visitors board one of five dedicated elevators (Sky Pods) to ascend to the 102nd floor in under 60 seconds. Immersive, floor-to-ceiling LED technology in each cab invites guests to experience a virtual time-lapse that recreates the development of New York City’s skyline from the 1500s to present day.
The Sky Pod elevators, among the fastest in the world, will bring passengers directly to the SEE FOREVER™ Theater on the 102nd floor. The SEE FOREVER™ Theater will present a two-minute video presentation that combines bird’s eye imagery, time-lapse shots with abstract textures and patterns to present the unique rhythm and pulse of New York City to dramatic life in three dimensions.
The Main Observatory space on the 100th floor will include an interactive skyline “concierge” – City Pulse – that allows guests to deeply connect with the landmarks and neighborhoods they observe from above. At City Pulse, global ambassadors will be stationed under a ring of HD video monitors and outfitted in gesture recognition technology, summoning imagery to the screens and providing guests with close-up views and personalized recommendations.
The Main Observatory also features the Sky Portal where guests are invited to step onto a 14-foot wide circular disc that will deliver an unforgettable view, using real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below.
One World Observatory offers three distinct dining options on the 101st floor available to guests with Observatory tickets, including access to curated eateries from casual café fare to seated fine-dining. Catering will be available on the 102nd floor, which will operate as a 9,300 square foot special event space with a maximum capacity of 300. The premier space includes floor-to-ceiling, uninterrupted views, high-end décor and an exclusive, customizable experience with a state-of-the-art sound system and HD projection capabilities.
TIPS
- Book in Advance! You can purchase tickets online with your computer, smartphone or tablet. To purchase tickets by phone, call (844) OWO-1776 | (844) 696-1776 and follow the prompt on the main menu be connected to our ticketing agents. There will be an additional service fee of $5 for processing ticket orders over the phone. Purchase by phone, 7 days a week, Monday through Sunday from 9AM-5PM. You may also purchase tickets at the Box Office at One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street New York, New York 10007. The Box Office is located at the corner of West and Vesey Streets, inside the main Observatory entrance.
- Tickets are $32/adult, $30/senior, $26/kids ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. Priority access start at $54. Tickets are timed in 15 minute increments. You may arrive 15 minutes prior to your entry time. Free entrance is given to 9/11 family members and recovery/rescue workers, and can be requested via the
- Tickets are non-refundable and there are no rainchecks. Late arrivals will be accommodated based on capacity – you may be required to wait until the first possible open time slot. We strongly encourage you to arrive earlier than your scheduled time to avoid any delays.
- Group rates are offered for groups of 20 or more. Call for (844) OWO-1776 | (844) 696-1776 for information.
-MasterCard cardholders enjoy 20% off Standard Admission tickets to One World Observatory at One World Trade Center. World, World Elite or Black MasterCard cardholders enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Standard Admission to Priority Access.
- One World Observatory is great for kids and guests of all ages.The stunning city views and interactive exhibits are family-friendly and suitable for individuals of all ages. Children 5 and under are free. Strollers are allowed but you will be asked to remove your child and fold your stroller up for access to the elevators as well as the escalators within the experience.
- Tuesday & Wednesday are the quieter days.
- Try to visit during sunset.