SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Floors:

91–93 at ~1,020–1,100 ft above street level

Height:

One Vanderbilt rises to 1,401 feet (427 m).

Typical Visit Time:

~90–120 minutes

Tickets (from):

~$47.91 (options/combos vary; Ascent glass elevator is a separate ticket)

Dress Code Tip:

Mirrored floors—wear pants/shorts/tights; avoid skirts/dresses if concerned about reflections

Footwear:

No stilettos/steel-toe/cleats (to protect mirrored floors)

Amenities:

Après café/lounge, outdoor terrace, gift shops and a boutique; restrooms available once you reach the experience level (~15 min in)

Accessibility:

Elevators and accessible routes available. Operations follow applicable New York City department safety and accessibility guidelines.

91st Floor

Transcendence 1 (Kenzo Digital)

A vast, mirror-walled chamber with floor-to-ceiling windows. The mirrored floors/ceilings create infinite cityscapes featuring the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings.

Reflect (Yayoi Kusama’s Clouds)

A calmer, gallery-style room with stainless-steel “cloud” forms laid across the floor—great for close-up, low-angle photography.

Affinity

A playful room with floating silver orbs; mirrors multiply the spheres for striking portraits.

92nd Floor

Transcendence 2

The upper tier of the mirror world with glass floor portals peering down to the 91st.

Levitation (Glass Skyboxes, ~1,063 ft above street)

Two clear boxes projecting over Madison Ave—stand on transparent floors with city traffic far below.

Unity

Scan your wristband; a real-time render floats your face among digital clouds—fun for families and groups.

93rd Floor

Après (Lounge & Café)

Nordic-inspired food drink options and light fare with wraparound windows—ideal for a breather between photo bursts.

Terrace (Open-Air Observation)

Panoramas over Midtown and the East River; wind and temps can differ from street level.

Ascent (External All-Glass Elevator, limited availability)

Climbs above the deck to the highest public vantage of the building. It often requires a separate ticket or on-site upgrade; may close for weather or capacity.

Boutique (Gift Shop)

Branded souvenirs, skyline prints, and building models. If you’re tight on time, save shopping for the end; re-entry isn’t guaranteed.

Three-Level Observatory:

The experience spans the 91st–93rd floors and is designed as a continuous journey rather than a single viewing deck, unfolding across ample square feet of mirrored space. Each level offers distinct installations and perspectives of the skyline.

AIR by Kenzo Digital:

The signature immersive environment uses mirrors, light, and sound to create infinity-like vistas. The sequence includes Transcendence (two levels), Affinity (interactive silver orbs), and Unity (a digital cloudscape that incorporates guest face scans).

Reflect by Yayoi Kusama:

While not a museum, SUMMIT echoes art galleries and galleries in New York with immersive art exhibits and site-specific works of art presented at observation-deck scale.

Levitation Skyboxes:

Two glass enclosures project from the façade more than 1,000 feet above Madison Avenue. Guests can step onto clear floors and look straight down to the streets below.

Ascent Glass Elevator (Upgrade):

An external, all-glass elevator rises above the main observation deck to the building’s highest public vantage. Access is capacity and weather dependent and often requires a separate ticket.

Open-Air Terrace:

The wraparound outdoor area delivers unobstructed views of Midtown, the East River, and landmark towers. Conditions can be windier and cooler than at street level.

Après Lounge & Café:

A Nordic-inspired lounge serves light fare and cocktails with floor-to-ceiling views. It provides a comfortable break between installations and photo stops.

Choreographed Circulation:

Quiet escalators, wide corridors, and staged sightlines organize foot traffic and frame reveal moments. The layout reduces bottlenecks and helps guests pace the experience.

Photo-Friendly Design:

Mirror planes, glass portals, and large-format windows are positioned for skyline portraits and reflective compositions. Staff-managed queues at Levitation help maintain safe, timely photo opportunities.

Integrated Technology:

Timed entry, wristband scanning, and synchronized media create personalized and smoothly sequenced interactions, especially in Unity.

Grand Central Access:

A dedicated entrance in the Grand Central transit hall connects the observatory to subway, Metro-North, and LIRR services. This direct access simplifies arrival and departure.

Accessibility & Guest Services:

Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available on the experience levels. Strollers and service animals are permitted, and staff are present throughout to assist.