Summit One Vanderbilt’s observation deck has become the most trending skyscraper since its inception in 2021.
More than 1.5 million visitors take its super-fast elevators every year to reach the observatory and see stunning views of New York.
One Vanderbilt Summit has three floors housing interactive rooms, balconies, skyboxes, a restaurant, and an outdoor terrace.
In this article, we will share with you everything you must know before buying your tickets for Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck.
Top Summit One Vanderbilt Tickets
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Where are the observation decks?
Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and the Empire State Building are some of the most popular observatories in New York.
The city has seen two more observation decks in the last few years – Edge at Hudson Yards (2020) and Summit One Vanderbilt (2021).
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has three observation decks on the 91st, 92nd, and 93rd floors.
The 91st and 92nd floors are completely enclosed in glass, while the 93rd floor has an outdoor observation deck.
The Observation deck is at a height of 1,210 feet (368 meters), while the One Vanderbilt skyscraper is 1,401 feet (427 meters) tall.
The Summit One Vanderbilt Observation deck ticket gets you access to all three floors of the attraction.
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Views from the observation decks
From the 91st, 92nd, and 93rd floors of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, guests can see 360-degree views of Manhattan and beyond.
On a clear day, you can see up to the Statue of Liberty and the New Jersey Palisades.
You can also see some of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
In addition to the city views, you can also see Central Park, the Hudson River, and the East River.
Couples and groups of youngsters prefer to visit Summit One Vanderbilt’s observation decks at night because the views are stunning when the city is lit up.
Visit the top five attractions of New York and Summit One Vanderbilt with New York CityPass, which is time-saving and value for money.
Observation deck at 91st Floor
The Summit One Vanderbilt observatory on the 91st floor has three parts – Transcendence 1, Reflect and Affinity.
Transcendence 1 (AIR)
AIR is an impressive and illusionary space designed by world-renowned artist Kenzo Digital.
It consists of four rooms – Transcendence 1, Transcendence 2, Affinity, and Unity.
Transcendence 1 is the first part of AIR and is on the 91st floor.
The walls, floors and the ceiling of this room is all made of glass and it is also filled with soundscapes and light projections.
Thousands of reflections of images of guests on the deck will surround you.
From this room you get the best sight of Empire State Building.
Don’t forget to stand in the middle of the room and look up at the mirrored ceiling – it is an excellent sight.
Reflect
Guests usually experience sensory overload at Transcendence 1, but this visual fatigue will easily be overcome as you step into the next room – Reflect.
Reflect houses beautiful art installations of Clouds designed by Yayoi Kusama.
In this room, you’d feel like the clouds had just fallen off the sky, transporting you into a meditative state.
It is a quiet space where visitors can meditate or simply reflect on the experience.
Affinity (AIR)
Affinity (AIR) is the third and final installation in the AIR exhibit at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
After relaxing in the Reflect, guests head to Affinity, a playful and joyful space.
The room is filled with reflective orbs that respond to touch, creating a sense of connection and playfulness.
If you visit with kids, be ready to spend a lot of time in Affinity.
Observation deck at 92nd Floor
The Summit One Vanderbilt’s observatory desk on the 92nd floor has three parts – Transcendence 2, Levitation and Unity.
Transcendence 2 (AIR)
Transcendence 2 (AIR) is located on the 92nd floor of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and is the second part of the AIR exhibit.
It is a large, mirrored room that offers a bird’s-eye view of the Transcendence 1 room on the 91st floor.
Transcendence 2 is also filled with soundscapes and light projections that create a sense of disorientation and wonder among the visitors.
Levitation
Levitation is on the 92nd floor and is a glass ledge suspended 1063 feet (324 meters) above Madison Avenue.
Visitors stand on the glass ledges that jut out from the side of the building and enjoy stunning views of the city below.
The experience is both exhilarating and terrifying, and it will take your breath away.
During peak times, guests are given around 30 seconds at Levitation’s glass ledge to soak in the view and take photos.
Unity (AIR)
Unity (AIR) is an interactive SUMMIT One Observation deck installation that uses real-time visuals and tourists’ photos to amplify their journey through the space.
The large, mirror-lined room has a 47.5 x 12-foot Samsung digital LED wall.
As guests enter the room, their faces are scanned and rendered in real-time onto the LED wall, creating a cloud-like avatar.
Looking closely at the video, you may find even your face floating within many other clouds.
Summit One Vanderbilt at night transforms into a mesmerizing sanctuary amidst the city lights, showcasing the breathtaking charm of New York.
Observation deck at 93rd Floor
The Summit One Observation deck experience on the 93rd floor includes the Terrace, Ascent and Apres (the restaurant).
Terrace
The Terrace at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located on the 93rd floor of the building and is the highest outdoor observation deck in New York City.
It offers 360-degree views of the city, including the most historic building of all – the Empire State Building.
Visitors can take in the views from the Terrace, have a picnic, or enjoy the fresh air.
The Terrace is accessible from the restaurant Aprés, and if you want, you can grab your snacks and drinks purchased at the restaurant and enjoy them on the terrace.
Ascent
Ascent at Summit One Vanderbilt is a thrilling external all-glass elevator experience that takes you from 93rd to the highest point of the building.
Going up on Ascent is a must-experience activity at Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck because it holds two records –
- Highest rack and pinion elevator in the world
- Largest glass floor elevator in the world
The Ascent lift takes the visitors an additional 393 feet (120 meters) to the tallest floor of the Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck.
The views are stunning, and you can see for miles in every direction.
Aprés Restaurant
Designed by Danny Meyer of Union Square Events, Aprés is a fine-dining restaurant.
Guests can indulge in scrumptious food, enjoying a panoramic view of New York City from the top.
From sandwiches and croissants to soups, salads, and hot and cold beverages, the restaurant cum bar has everything to kill your cravings. It also offers cocktails, beers, and wines.
Learn more about Restaurants in Summit One Vanderbilt and Restaurants near Summit One Vanderbilt.
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