That’s one helluva view.
The long-awaited Freedom Tower observatory at One World Trade Center is opening to the public May 29.
Housed on floors 100, 101 and 102 of the nation’s tallest skyscraper, the One World Observatory will provide panoramic views and an “unparalleled opportunity to experience New York City,” said David Checketts, head honcho at Legends, which will be running the observatory.
“From sweeping panoramic views, to innovative interactive exhibits, to world-class dining options, we expect One World Observatory to be the premier destination and attraction in New York City for both tourists and local residents.”
Bryan Stanley, 42, visiting from Baltimore, can hardly wait.
“I’d love to see the city from up on high. Where I’m from, we don’t have buildings anywhere near that tall,” Stanley told the Daily News, as he stood in the shadow of the building. “It’s historic … I love the skyline in New York, and I never had the chance to go in the original World Trade Center.”
All three levels will be outfitted with the latest interactive gizmos.
But the visit will start on the ground floor at the Global Welcome Center, which will feature greetings in dozens of languages and a world map highlighting the hometowns of what’s expected to be millions of visitors.
Guests will then be steered to a “preshow program” called “Voices” that tells the personal stories of the folks who raised One World Trade Center out of the ashes of the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks.
Then it’s off to the “Foundations” program, which goes into more detail about the building itself and its history.
Finally, visitors will board one of five “Sky Pods” — dedicated elevators — and whoosh up to the 102nd floor in less than 60 seconds.
There, passengers will head to the “See Forever Theater” for a two-minute video that “combines bird’s eye imagery, time-lapse shots with abstract textures and patterns to present the unique rhythm and pulse of New York City,” according to the press release group.
The main observatory is on the 100th floor and features a “Sky Portal” where “guests are invited to step onto a 14-foot wide circular disc that will deliver an unforgettable view, using real-time, high definition footage of the streets below,” the release states group said.
Cafes and restaurants will be on the 101st floor and the fare will range from “casual cafe fare to seated fine-dining.”
While prices will vary, admission for visitors ages 13 to 64 will be $32, children ages 6 to 12 will be $26, and kids under age 5 will be free. Seniors ages 65 and up will be charged $30.
The Observatory will be open year-round. From May 29 until Sept. 7, operating hours will be 9 a.m. until midnight, with the last ticket sold at 11:15 p.m. Non-summer operating hours are 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., which will be expanded during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
There will be special discounts for active and retired members of the military. And admission will be free for 9/11 family members as well as rescue workers who toiled on The Pit.
For more information about tickets or tours, go to www.OneWorldObservatory.com.
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With Rich Schapiro
