By: Annabelle Pan

Graphics Editor

On Oct. 1, Skylift opened to the public in New York City. Located at Top of the Rock’s Observation Deck on the 70th floor, Skylift stands on a four-tiered base covered in LED pixel flutes and gives viewers an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline. Skylift begins when visitors step onto a revolving glass platform that sends them three stories above Top of the Rock’s Observation Deck. As it rises, the platform revolves 360 degrees and shows visitors a panoramic view of the city.

Visitors have a full view of NYC’s most famous landmarks, like Central Park, and are allowed to take their own pictures on phones and cameras. Skylift is open every day from morning to midnight, rain or shine, but the best view of the city is after sunset. After the sun goes down, the city begins lighting up. During the ride, Skylift takes a video of each guest surrounded by the NYC skyline that can be purchased at the gift shop.

Excluding the time it takes for Skylift to reach the top and return to the bottom, the ride lasts five minutes. There are no height restrictions, and everything is wheelchair accessible. Only 13 guests can go at a time, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Participants can buy tickets ahead of time or in person, with each ticket priced at 35 dollars for all ages. There are also VIP tickets for quicker entry and priority elevator access.

People can purchase tickets to Skylift alongside tickets to another experience at Top of the Rock: the Beam. The Beam recreates a 1932 photograph called “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” showing workers eating lunch on a beam 850 feet above the ground. Visitors sit strapped to the steel beam and are lifted 12 feet above the Observation Deck and rotated 180 degrees for a full view of NYC.

For visitors with a fear of heights, Top of the Rock offers other views of the skyline slightly closer to the ground. They have other observation decks on different floors, with terraces facing in all directions to provide the same 360-degree view of the Skylift. The 70th floor even has an open-air observation deck perfect for taking pictures of the skyline unobstructed. Top of the Rock also has food and drinks. On the 67th floor, visitors can enter the Weather Room, a café and bar. The Weather Room is an indoor viewing space where visitors can enjoy cocktails, wine, bagels, sandwiches, and desserts while looking at the NYC view. Top of the Rock has a gift shop where visitors can buy their Skylift pictures and Top of the Rock merchandise, including mugs, hoodies, puzzles, pins, ornaments, and more. Top of the Rock has some of the best views of NYC, making it one of the biggest tourist attractions in New York.

(Sources: NBC, Rockefeller Center)