The view from one of New York City’s most iconic observation decks is about to get even better. Opening on October 1, Skylift at the Top of the Rock takes visitors above the 70th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on an open-air platform that offers unobstructed, 360-degree city views. The new experience starts at $35 as an optional add-on to general admission to the Top of the Rock.
Skylift’s circular, open-air fiberglass platform draws inspiration from Rockefeller Center’s distinct Art Deco architecture, with marble-like tiers reflecting design motifs found throughout the landmark. After stepping onto Skylift, the attraction slowly brings guests 900 feet above Manhattan and gently rotates 360 degrees, offering panoramic views of the five boroughs.
No need to ruin the sky-high moment with selfies, the experience includes a video of each guest at the pinnacle of the ride.
Skylift features 96 LED pixel flutes that create a dazzling light show, visible across the city skyline. These lights can be customized to celebrate special dates and holidays.
Tishman Speyer calls the Skylift the “crown jewel” of the revitalization of Rockefeller Center, which has undergone a campus-wide transformation over the last five years. The Beam at the Top of the Rock, a 69th-floor rooftop ride that lets guests recreate the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph, opened in 2023, a new park on the rooftop of Radio City Music Hall opened in 2021, and the campus’s iconic sunken plaza has been restored with new fine dining options and retailers.
“Rockefeller Center is full of amazing experiences, but none quite as breathtaking as Skylift,” EB Kelly, senior managing director at Tishman Speyer and head of Rockefeller Center, said. “The thrilling experience of revolving 900 feet above ground for 360-degree views, eye to eye with skyscrapers in the beating heart of New York City, is one no visitor will forget.”
“Skylift is the crown jewel of our revitalization of Rockefeller Center, which has brought a new vibrancy and energy to every corner of campus.”
Skylift will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., with the last entry at 11:10 p.m. Tickets start at $35 as an add-on to Top of the Rock general admission and express passes. Entry to Skylift is also included with VIP and VIP Rock passes. Tickets can be purchased here.
30 Rock’s new ‘Skylift’ platform takes visitors 900 feet above NYC
September 25, 2024
Renderings courtesy of Tishman Speyer