One World Observatory, located at One World Trade Center, New York, announced its official public opening date as Friday, May 29, 2015. Positioned on top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – on levels 100, 101, and 102 of the One World Trade Center building – One World Observatory will provide guests with unique, panoramic views of New York City, its most iconic sites, and surrounding waters from above 1,250 feet.
A customized guest experience will complement 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.
In the days leading up to the official public opening, One World Observatory will say a special thank you to New York City by hosting multiple free preview days. On Tuesday, May 26, One World Observatory will invite local school students to see the observatory, and on Wednesday, May 27, the workers that helped build One World Trade Center will be invited. On Thursday, May 28, One World Observatory will host an open house for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis.
“On May 29, One World Observatory will officially open its doors to the public – offering visitors an inspiring and unparalleled opportunity to experience New York City,” said David Checketts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Legends, operator of the Observatory. “From sweeping panoramic views, to innovative interactive exhibits, to world-class dining options, we expect One World Observatory to be the premier destination and attraction in New York City for both tourists and local residents.”
The experience will invite guests to explore all three levels, each equipped with the latest in innovative technology. Upon entry, guests will be 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 will then proceed to a preshow program, titled 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. Visitors will board one of five dedicated elevators, termed 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 1600s to present day.
The Sky Pod elevators, among the fastest in the world, will bring passengers directly to the See Forever™ Theater on the 102ndfloor. 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 will also offer 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 will include 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.
Price of admission will vary. Guest admission for adults ages 13-64 will be $32. Guest admission for children ages 6-12 will be $26, and guest admissions for seniors ages 65+ will be $30. Guests 5 and under will be admitted at no charge but must have a ticket to enter. All tickets are timed admission and will be valid for a specific time and date. For best availability for summer 2015, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance.
The Observatory is open year round. Starting May 29th until September 7th operating hours will be 9 a.m. until midnight seven days a week with the last ticket sold at 11:15 p.m. Non-summer operating hours of One World Observatory are from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week with the last ticket sold at 7:15 p.m. Throughout the course of the year operating hours will be expanded during holiday periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
