Last week, Rockefeller Center celebrated the opening of Skylift at Top of The Rock, a new open-air attraction at 30 Rockefeller Center in Midtown, Manhattan. Designed in collaboration between architect Richard J. DeMarco, AIA, principal of MADGI, and experiential designer THG Creative, the experience hoists visitors to nearly 900 feet above street level on a revolving platform, providing unobstructed 360-degree views of New York City. 30 Rockefeller Center is bound by Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Plaza, and West 49th and West 50th Streets.
Skylift at Top of The Rock is situated on the western end of the 70th floor and is comprised of a telescoping steel-framed structure enclosed in a translucent white envelope. The streamlined design and marble-like tiers were designed to complement Rockefeller Center’s Art Deco architecture.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Skylift slowly lifts 30 feet upward from the observatory deck, then rotates counterclockwise for several minutes before gradually descending.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Each fluted tier progressively extends from the floor and is protected with an ornamental grille.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
In the center of the platform is a post embedded with speakers playing music, and multiple wide-angle cameras to capture photographs of visitors during the ride. Visitors are given cards with QR codes to retrieve their images upon leaving the gift shop at the bottom of 30 Rockefeller Center.
Photo by Michael Young
The below images showcase the views looking north toward Billionaires’ Row and Central Park, and south toward the rest of Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
At night, the structure’s 96 LED pixel flutes illuminate in a colorful light show, which can also be customized to commemorate notable dates and holidays.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
The attraction is visible from street level, as seen in the below image at full extension.
Photo by Michael Young
“Rockefeller Center is full of amazing experiences, but none quite as breathtaking as Skylift,” said EB Kelly, senior managing director at Tishman Speyer and head of Rockefeller Center. “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 is a concept without precedent as an experience atop a skyscraper, especially a historic landmark,” said MADGI principal Richard J. DeMarco, AIA. “As the architect for this project, we worked closely with experiential designer THG Creative and the Tishman Speyer team to create an unforgettable experience for both visitors and New Yorkers alike, allowing them to enjoy breathtaking, never-before-seen, unobstructed 360-degree views of New York City.”
Skylift at Top of The Rock is the last element in the modernization of the public observatory, joining The Beam, an interactive photo experience on the 69th floor that opened in late 2023 and recreates the famous 1932 photograph “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.” This summer, the Welcome Gallery opened to the public, featuring an immersive theater show that introduces the history of Rockefeller Center.
The opening of Skylift also marks the completion of Rockefeller Center’s multi-year, campus-wide revitalization. This transformation includes new fine dining with restaurants Jupiter, Le Rock, and NARO; new shopping destinations including N.Peal, Todd Snyder, Rough Trade, and McNally Jackson; and continued dedication to the public art program with contemporary and international works from artists like Basil Kincaid, Melissa Joseph, and Dominique Fung.
Tickets to Skylift at Top of The Rock currently begin at $35 per person as an optional add-on to the Top of The Rock General Admission and Express Passes. Skylift is included in all VIP and VIP Rock Passes. The entrance is found along West 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Photo by Michael Young
Subway access is conveniently located beneath 30 Rockefeller Center along Sixth Avenue at the 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station, serving the B, D, F, and M trains.
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Already Iconic..
Looks cool! I like how they kept with the art deco design that complements the rest of the structure.
Please update new movie studios on West 55th and Hudson River.
Now this might be the gimmick i will pay for lol
Bravo to the thoughtful design and details! 👏
Love this! But why do I get the feeling that it’s an accident waiting to happen?
Spectacular images and I want to go up there and see the views 💕
It’s like toasting a glass to the city of New York every time it lifts up from the top of the rock. Cheers and cool pics by Michael
This seems kind of silly, what’s the point of a few more feet?
30 feet is not “just a few more feet”
I went with my husband yesterday and it’s better than being jam packed with the crowds. i
It’s also quiet when you go all the way up , so I would recommend paying the extra amount to experience this. See for yourself before blindly judging.
30 feet on top of 850 feet is a few more feet. Very silly.
I think the point Maria was making is that it’s not just the relative height from the rooftop, but rather the experience in and of itself. So while you two guys think it’s “silly,” I’d be more mature next time and hold off from making snark judgements until either of you actually see and get on the ride. It’s no different than criticizing Olympic athletes doing something you most likely can’t do, while you’re laying on the couch eating chips…
Their Rainbow Room is iconic, specially now that both the Starlight at Waldorff and the Penninsula are closed (while the “Top of the World” was destroyed by terrorists on 9/11) and Regis has cut down it glorious dinining area and live piano-harp music, to zero
Dan, do you know if the Rainbow Room is a buffet or a la carte dining, or only open for hosting private gatherings?
Looks a bit frightening
I don’t understand why it rotates. Can’t people just use their own legs to walk around that small platform?
You seem highly displeased. I don’t understand why a rotating platform is so off-putting and something to critique. Can’t you just go along for the ride (figuratively and literally)?
More like the Skyerection.
Top of the Rock still offers the very best observation experience in NY since it’s outside and in the center of Midtown. Coming before sundown offers a daylight and city lights unforgettable visit.
IF you can make your way through the crowds and get a spot along the railings at sunset 😆. I’d do the Skylift to get some peace and quiet without feeling swarmed by people and phones hovering over my head
NYC influencers wet dream
the problem here is this is taking away a lot of space from your regular top of the visit and views. makes it more crowded and now you have to pay xtra for the wedding cake ride. i bet they didn’t drop the regular admission price to make up for that.
At that height I too don’t understand why it needs to rotate; I agree with Majordomo2. (I mean, it could cause for an unpleasant sensation for some people).
Then don’t ride it if you’re prone to motion sickness. Simple as that.
Looks unsafe, and warn people not to wear skirts.
Okay, I will leave my KILT at home! 🙂
Ladies, wear pants.
Yeah, this is pretty cool actually.
If you’re an exhibitionist, then a skirt is actually a great idea.
This is a wow.
Now very good attraction of Big Apple City,I love New York of City of Dream and Never Sleep.
Anyone know how much it cost to fabricate and install?