Centre 360, a new free public observatory, opened today atop the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street in the Civic Center section of Lower Manhattan. The experience is located more than 500 feet high within the Beaux-Arts cupola of the landmarked 40-story skyscraper, and is part of a $6 million renovation by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). The property is located at the corner of Centre and Reade Streets, directly east of City Hall.
The following first-look photos above and below showcase the panoramic views from the cupola, as well as some of the detailing within the space, including the new glass panels installed between the perimeter columns.
Looking west from 1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
Looking north from 1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
Looking east from 1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
The cupola at 1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
Looking up at the top of the cupola at 1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
Wall panels detail the construction of the skyscraper, the history of the Civic Fame statue, and David N. Dinkins’ career.
1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
1 Centre Street. Photo by Michael Young.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani first announced the experience in February, and work on the renovations quickly progressed over the last few months. Temporary scaffolding was installed on the exterior of the upper floors, as shown in the below image.
1 Centre Street in April 2026. Photo by Michael Young.
“It shouldn’t cost a cent to take in the unbeatable views of the city we call home,” said Mayor Mamdani. “After a $6 million restoration, we’re opening the doors of this iconic building and inviting New Yorkers and visitors to see the city from a new perspective. Just in time for a summer of soccer, we’re making one of New York’s breathtaking views available to everyone, for free.”
Designed by McKim, Mead & White and constructed between 1909 and 1914, the building was designated a New York City landmark in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The structure was formerly known as the Manhattan Municipal Building, but was renamed in 2015 in honor of David N. Dinkins, New York City’s first Black mayor, recognizing his decades of public service and the years he spent working in the building.
Online reservations are required for Centre 360, with timed slots available on the experience’s website. Walk-ins are not accommodated. New tickets are released on the first day of every month. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, with eight viewing sessions between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Each viewing session is limited to five people at a time.
The property is located directly above the Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall subway station, which is served by the 4, 5, and 6 trains.
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This building was erected by McKim, Mead, and White following a seemingly cursed architectural competition to replace City Hall. To prevent another Boss Tweed courthouse scandal, the proposals were identified only by a number. Then the key to who did what was lost. Eventually, it came to light, but by that time, there was great feeling against demolishing the old City Hall. Also, the City found none of the proposals satisfactory and refused to award the prizes, resulting in lawsuits.
The lot on which the Municipal Building was erected was not symmetrical, and the building was distorted to fit it. The tower is actually a bit oval.