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Quick Information

ADDRESS

30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

09:00–22:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

3000000

TICKETS

From $39

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

In contrast to many Art Deco skyscrapers of the 1930s, the 30 Rockefeller Plaza was uniquely built as a slab with a flat roof. Since 1933, it has served as the location of the Rockefeller Center's observation deck, known as the Top of the Rock.

The Observation deck was originally designed to emulate the upper decks of a 1930s grand ocean liner. It was supposed to be furnished with deck chairs, gooseneck fixtures and large air-conditioning vents that would make it look like a ship’s deck.

Top of the Rock offers you a captivating audio-visual experience crafted by Andrew Giugno and Ray Kunimoto on the mezzanine level. Encounter a fully immersive soundscape as you walk toward the elevators, offering a glimpse into the future of Rockefeller Center and New York City.

Top of the Rock highlights

Indoor and Outdoor Viewing

Enjoy three levels of unobstructed views–from the 67th and 69th floors, and on the 70th floor open-air roof deck. You get a unique and stunning perspective of the city that you can't experience anywhere else.

NYC views from Top of the Rock

70th Floor Open Air Roof Deck

The 70th Floor, which has no metal or glass enclosures, is perfect for photos. Take incredible skyline pictures. Or use the skyline as a backdrop for photos of you and your friends and family.

Explore the observation deck

Joie Chandelier

Made of 14,000 crystals, the Joie Chandelier was created by Swarovski exclusively for Top of the Rock. The largest of its kind, it soars 3 stories above the Grand Atrium lobby. And when you look at it upside down, you’ll see it’s in the shape of Rockefeller Center.

Mezzanine Exhibit

As you make your way from the street level to the observation decks, you move forward in time through a series of installations that introduce new and emerging New York artists and technology. The interactive artworks create an opportunity for you to make your mark on the future of Rockefeller Center, and share the experience with the world online.

Sound and Light Hallway

Travel through a mesmerizing audio-visual installation designed by Andrew Giugno and Ray Kunimoto on the mezzanine level. As you proceed toward the elevators, experience a fully immersive soundscape that represents the future of Rockefeller Center and New York.

Time Capsule Over Manhattan

The Time Capsule Over Manhattan is an interactive kinetic sculpture by the Breakfast Studio. As you make your way in front of the art, the flip disks come to life to capture your unique movements and add them to a database of previous visitors, which then replays throughout the day.

Reflections

Take your portrait in the styling of Brooklyn-based artist Diana Sinclair. Your photograph will become part of a lasting collage, featuring you along with millions of fellow visitors from across the globe, which will be displayed on the 67th floor.

The Virtual Sky-High Experience

Take to the skies and see yourself on Top of The Rock from a virtual drone perspective overlooking all of Manhattan as it appears today. Receive the final video directly to your phone, ready to be shared! No two photos are alike.

History of Top of the Rock

The Rockefeller Center was conceived by John D. Rockefeller Jr. during the Great Depression. It opened in 1933 as a comprehensive urban complex with office buildings, entertainment venues, and public spaces. While the idea of an observation deck was initially considered during the construction of the RCA Building (30 Rockefeller Plaza), it was not included in the building's original design. Instead, the building featured rooftop gardens on its 67th floor, which were closed to the public during World War II due to safety concerns.

In the early 1980s, the concept of an observation deck resurfaced, and after significant renovations, Top of the Rock finally opened on 1 November 2005, offering you unparalleled 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline from the 70th floor. Today, Top of the Rock remains a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and grandeur of New York City from its three observation decks.

​Read more about Rockefeller Center's history

Who built Top of the Rock?

Top of the Rock was designed and built by the architectural firm Gabellini Sheppard Associates. They were responsible for the design and renovation of the Rockefeller Center's 30 Rockefeller Plaza (also known as the Comcast Building), which includes the Top of the Rock observation deck. The renovation and addition of the observation deck were completed in 2005, making it a prominent feature of the Rockefeller Center complex.

Architecture of Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock Observatory view, New York All-Inclusive Pass by Go City.

Top of the Rock's architecture seamlessly blends modern design with the historic Art Deco style of the Rockefeller Center. Designed by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, the observation deck features glass panels that offer unobstructed and breathtaking views of the New York City skyline. Outdoor terraces on the 67th and 69th floors provide a unique open-air experience, allowing visitors to appreciate iconic landmarks and scenery from different angles.

The modern aesthetic and sleek lines of Top of the Rock create a striking contrast with the Rockefeller Center's historic architecture, while the minimalist approach ensures the focus remains on the captivating cityscape. Inside, well-designed interior spaces offer comfortable seating, interactive exhibits, and informational displays about the Rockefeller Center's history and New York City.

About Rockefeller Center

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Rockefeller Center stands as an iconic cultural and commercial complex located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. Spanning an impressive 22 acres between 5th and 6th Avenues, the center is renowned for its vibrant blend of art, entertainment, and commerce.

Conceived by John D. Rockefeller Jr. during the Great Depression, the center's construction began in 1930 and was completed in 1939. Comprising a series of 19 high-rise buildings, including the renowned GE Building (now known as 30 Rockefeller Plaza) that houses NBC Studios, the complex stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and urban design.

The artistic and cultural significance of Rockefeller Center is exemplified by its renowned public art installations and events. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony draws thousands of visitors each year, becoming a cherished holiday tradition since 1933. The Center's Radio City Music Hall is a world-famous venue that has hosted numerous historic performances, from concerts to theatrical productions, adding to the rich tapestry of entertainment options within the complex. With its unique blend of commercial spaces, cultural landmarks, and artistic endeavors, Rockefeller Center continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike, remaining a vibrant hub of New York City's cultural scene.

Visit the Rockfeller Center

Frequently asked questions about Top of the Rock

​Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States, within the Rockefeller Center complex in Midtown Manhattan.

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