Top of The Rock

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The observation deck was originally opened in 1933, closed in 1986, and underwent a major restoration before reopening in 2005.

2. 2

   The 70th-floor deck is completely open-air with no glass barriers, which is rare for skyscraper observatories.

3. 3

   The elevator journey features a 'Sky Shuttle' experience with a transparent ceiling showing the mechanical shaft.

4. 4

   The skyscraper is built in the Art Deco style, characterized by its setbacks that give it a distinctive tiered appearance.

5. 5

   The deck's design was inspired by the deck of a 1930s luxury cruise liner.

6. 6

   The building was the first major skyscraper in New York to include roof gardens.

7. 7

   The complex was constructed during the Great Depression, providing significant employment in New York City.

8. 8

   The viewing platform spans over 9,500 square feet of total space.

9. 9

   The 'Beam Walk' exhibit allows visitors to recreate the famous 1932 photograph of construction workers having lunch on a steel beam.

10. 10

    There are over 20,000 individual light bulbs used in the facade's lighting system.

Overview

Top of The Rock is the three-level observation deck situated atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. The deck provides 360-degree views of the New York City skyline from a height of 850 feet. It features both indoor and outdoor viewing areas across the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Unlike other city observatories, this location offers an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building directly to the south and Central Park to the north. Visitors access the deck via a high-speed glass-ceiling elevator. The architecture maintains an Art Deco design consistent with the original 1930s Rockefeller Center complex. The top deck lacks high glass partitions, allowing for clear photography without glare.

Insider tips

• Purchase tickets for a time slot 30-45 minutes before sunset to capture both daylight and night views.

• Use the 67th-floor indoor area if the outdoor temperature is uncomfortable, as it offers climate-controlled viewing.

• Download the official app for an augmented reality feature that identifies landmarks in real-time as you look through your phone.