On May 29, 2015, One World Trade Center will open the Observatory, located on the building’s top floors (100, 101 and 102), to offer unparalleled panoramic views to the public (for a preview, see video).
Tickets go on sale April 8, at 10 a.m. EST at www.OneWorldObservatory.com or by
Prior to the opening, several free preview days will be offered, including the opportunity for local school students to visit the observatory on May 26, an invitation for the workers who helped build One World Trade Center to visit on May 27, followed by an open house for the general public (on a first-come, first-served basis) on May 28.
The three levels that comprise the Observatory house 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; 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.
The Main Observatory space on the 100th floor will include an interactive skyline “concierge,” City Pulse. It allows guests to view the landmarks and neighborhoods below. Here, global ambassadors, outfitted in gesture recognition technology, will be stationed under a ring of HD video monitors to provide guests with close-up views and personalized recommendations.The floor also includes the Sky Portal, where guests are invited to step onto a 14-foot wide disc that offers real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below.
Five Sky Pods (the fastest elevators in the world) can be used to access the other floors in under 60 seconds while guests enjoy a virtual time-lapse that recreates the development of the New York City skyline from the 1600s to present day via LED technology.
The 101st floor has three dining options that range from casual cafe 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 that can hold up to 300 guests.
The See Forever Theater on the 102nd floor will present a two-minute video presentation that combines bird’s eye imagery and time-lapse shots to portray a three-dimensional vision of New York City.
Admission rates for adults ages 13 to 64 will be $32, for children ages six to 12 will be $26, and for seniors ages 65+ will be $30. One World Observatory will offer complimentary admission to 9/11 family members and the rescue and recovery workers who responded on 9/11.
Advanced online ticket purchases are recommended.