EMPIRE STATE OBSERVATORIES RENEWED
23 Oct 2018
As part of the first phase in an extensive rebuilding project, the Empire State Building Observatories has a newly renovated entrance that aims to transform the visitor experience to the Art Deco skyscraper and better articulate its history.
The 34th Street entrance was renovated for better flow and to showcase a technology-driven lobby space. The project is the first in a multi-part rebuilding of the tower, which will be completed by late 2019, and includes both digital hosts and a new lighting ceremony installation.
Famous for its observatory views, the Empire State Building has become a symbol of New York. Michael Beneville of Beneville Studios, a New York-based art and design studio, said that the renovation is, “A work that complements the very soul of the Empire State Building”. The observatories’ entrance was moved from Fifth Avenue to 34th Street to reorient visitor flow. Inside, large-scale LED panels and digital ticket kiosks combine with a two-storey model of the tower and Deco-esque detailing.
The decade-long Empire State rebuilding project is set to modernise the building and reduce the wait time for the 4.2 million annual Observatory guests. While waiting to go through security, guests will view historic and current photos of the Empire State Building. The project was completed, recognising that the main Empire State Building lobby is one of the few interiors in New York to be designated a historic landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
As part of the Empire State rebuilding modernisation initiative, the main ESB lobby renovation also introduced a new visitor processing system and technology.
The Observatory rebuilding project is expected to be complete by late 2019.