Move over Empire State Building, there is new game in town. One World Observatory will be opening Fri., May 29 — offering spectacular vistas of the city from above 1,250 feet.
Located on three levels — 100, 101 and 102 — of 1 World Trade, the observatory will be high-tech. Upon entering, visitors will be met by a global welcome center that will feature greetings in a myriad of languages. Next, there is a pre-show program titled “Voices,” which tells the story of those who built 1 W.T.C., Center, a. k. a. the Freedom Tower, and then on to foundations, which shows facts about the bedrock on which the tower stands, according to the press release.
Boarding one of five elevators, which are being called “sky pods,” visitors will ascend to the 102nd floor in under 60 seconds while immersive floor-to-ceiling L.E.D. technology “invites guests to experience a virtual time-lapse that recreates the development of New York City’s skyline from the 1600s to present day,” according to the press release.
Three dining options will be on the 101st floor.
There will be complimentary admission to Sept. 11 family members and the rescue and recovery workers who responded on 9/11 and in the months after. Admissions will be administered by the 9/11 Tribute Center.
Admission prices will vary. For adults, ages 13-64, it will be $32; children ages six to 12, $26, and for seniors over 65, $30. Children five 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. Tickets went on sale April 8. www.OneWorldObservatory.com for more information.
