New York’s One World Observatory to open 29 May

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.

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 pre-show 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.

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 all 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.