Summit One Vanderbilt
New York has a new observation deck: Summit One Vanderbilt. This 427 meter skyscraper takes you to the highest vantage point in Midtown, with views of the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and the north end of Central Park. This is now a new skyscraper that you can visit to get a great view of New York.
In this One Vanderbilt skyscraper, you take the elevator to the 91st to 93rd floors, the top three floors. You’ll find various attractions, but the highlight is the observation deck with many reflective mirror walls and glass floors. Since its opening in October 2021, Summit One Vanderbilt has been known as the most “Instagrammable” viewpoint in New York City. Wearing sunglasses is a must on sunny days.
To discover
Upon entering, you are given elastic shoe covers. This is done to keep the surface spotless. Your experience begins with a short video, which prepares you for everything you’re about to experience, by taking you through a dark hallway before entering a bright elevator covered in mirrors.
You begin your visit on the first floor in AIR, a sort of hallucinatory attraction where you “ascend and pass into another realm.” In a mirror elevator, bathed in flickering light, you reach the 91st floor in 42 seconds. You then continue your journey through a winding white tunnel. This hallucinatory experience was designed by New York artist Kenzo Digital.
Once you enter the second floor, don’t be surprised by all the natural light hitting you. The next room is probably another step into the future, covered in silver balloons floating in the air, a beautiful sight to see. You can explore several activities on floor 91, such as levitation, reflection, air, organized by the group. On the next level, you will see the floor art composed by artist Yayoi Kusama.
All the glass surrounding you gives you an endless view of New York. The glass cabs (“skyboxes”), where you can see the cabs driving down Madison Avenue hundreds of feet below you, are special. There is an outdoor terrace with plants and a Scandinavian-style café where you can have a snack or a cocktail.
As with many other views, sunset is perhaps the best time to visit Summit One Vanderbilt. At night, the skyscraper seems to change shape. Summit One Vanderbilt “then becomes a beacon of light and energy, visible throughout New York City and beyond.”
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How to get to Summit One Vanderbilt
The entrance is on 42nd Street, right next to Grand Central Terminal. The tower is directly connected to the famous New York City train station and easily accessible by the 4, 5, 6, 7 and S subway lines.
Stilettos and other pointed shoes are not permitted so as not to damage the glass floor. Short skirts or dresses are also not recommended. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses, especially during the day. The sun’s rays are strong and the reflections even stronger. Don’t worry if you forget to bring them, you can always borrow one at the Summit.
Ticket prices vary depending on the day and night and the experience you are looking for, they range from $33 (€29) to $83 (€73)
https://summitov.com/
45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
