At the Empire State Building Observation Deck, your visit begins inside an immersive museum that brings the “World’s Most Famous Building” to life – all before you reach the top.
Included with every Empire State Building Observation Deck ticket, the museum combines interactive exhibits, artifacts, and photo opportunities that celebrate the building's history, construction, cultural impact, and place in New York City history.
If you are on the hunt for memorable things to do in NYC or unique NYC activities, make sure you allow time to experience every exhibit.
At a Glance
- Every Observation Deck ticket includes access to the Empire State Building museum
- Interactive exhibits celebrate the building's history, architecture, engineering, and cultural legacy
- Multiple immersive environments create memorable photo opportunities
- Original artifacts and multimedia displays bring New York history to life
- Most guests spend 30–45 minutes inside the museum before they continue to the Observation Deck
- The museum welcomes visitors of every age and adds value to one of New York City's most iconic attractions
More Than a Museum: An Experience That Sets the Tone
The Empire State Building Observation Deck museum places you inside the story of one of New York City's top attractions.
Across a series of thoughtfully designed galleries, you will discover how the Empire State Building transformed the New York City skyline, became a symbol of ambition, inspired generations of artists and filmmakers, and earned recognition around the world.
Discover the Story Behind an Icon
The Empire State Building Observation Deck museum tells the story of the "World's Most Famous Building" through immersive exhibits that span its construction, history, engineering, sustainability, and place in pop culture. Located across the 2nd and 80th floors, the exhibits are included with every Observation Deck ticket.
Historical scenes, interactive elements, multimedia displays, and larger-than-life installations make this one of the most immersive NYC activities for travelers who want to experience New York history alongside the city's best views.
Step Back Into New York City History
The story starts before the Empire State Building existed.
"The Site in the 1920s" depicts the site of the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel at the start of construction. Guests can peer through building surveyors to see the streets of late-1920s New York come to life in full color.
From there, the "Construction" exhibit puts you in the middle of one of the most ambitious building projects in New York City history. Inspired by Lewis Hine's historic photography, the exhibit recreates a worksite filled with ironworkers, masons, machinery, steel beams, and hot rivets. Life-like bronze sculptures of workers provide one of the museum's signature photo opportunities, while copper models show the Empire State Building at different stages of construction.
"Opening Day" captures the excitement that surrounded the debut of the new skyscraper, complete with a newsboy who announces its arrival against the backdrop of 1930s New York.
See How an Icon Continues to Evolve
The Empire State Building Observation Deck museum does not stop with the building's early history. Several exhibits show how the landmark has continued to evolve throughout the years.
The "Modern Marvel" exhibit explores measures that have helped establish the Empire State Building as a leader in sustainability and energy efficiency, which includes its industry-leading deep-energy retrofit. Nearby, "Otis Elevators" looks at another essential part of the building's story. Guests can step into a replica of the building's original mast car, complete with original hardware, as well as a simulation that conveys the extraordinary distances the elevators travel within the skyscraper.
"Urban Campus" offers another perspective on life inside the Empire State Building, with a look at major tenant spaces, amenities, and views experienced by those who work within the icon.
Experience the Empire State Building in Pop Culture
Few buildings have a place in popular culture quite like the Empire State Building.
The "World's Most Famous Building" exhibit surrounds guests with a 72-screen, 180-degree theater experience. A montage of 600 clips from movies, television shows, advertisements, comics, and games showcases the countless appearances that have helped turn the Empire State Building into a global icon.
Then comes one of the museum's most memorable photo moments: "Kong."
Guests can encounter the giant ape's hands as they break through the walls of the building, complete with vibrations, growls, and planes outside the windows that recall the famous scene from the original 1933 film. It is an immersive tribute to one of the Empire State Building's most recognizable roles on screen, and a must for a memorable photo.
The "Celebrity" exhibit celebrates another side of the building's cultural legacy, with photographs and signed memorabilia from famous athletes, musicians, actors, and other notable guests who have visited the Empire State Building through the years.
Discover New York Through Art, Light, and Interactive Experiences
On the 80th floor, the museum experience expands from the story of the Empire State Building to the city that surrounds it.
At "Artistry in Light," guests can discover the creative process behind the Empire State Building's famous tower lights through a short film narrated by renowned lighting designer Marc Brickman.
"Stephen Wiltshire's Drawing" showcases an extraordinarily detailed panorama of New York City that the British artist created entirely from memory after a 45-minute helicopter ride above Manhattan. Wiltshire created the work during a residency on the Empire State Building's 80th floor in 2017.
At "Scenes of NYC," classic Empire State Building Observation Deck viewfinders offer panoramic looks at nine famous New York locations.
For travelers who search for things to do in NYC, these exhibits offer more than a look at one landmark. They provide new ways to discover the city itself.
Capture Memorable Photos of Your Visit
Throughout the Empire State Building Observation Deck museum, immersive sets and interactive exhibits create memorable backdrops for photos with family and friends. Pose alongside the workers in "Construction," step into the ape's enormous hands in "Kong," and capture moments throughout exhibits that place you inside the history and culture of the "World's Most Famous Building."
For travelers who want unique NYC activities, interactive experiences, and memorable vacation photos, the museum stands as an attraction in its own right.
Plan Time to Experience Every Exhibit
Many first-time visitors focus primarily on the views from the Observation Deck, but the museum deserves its own time to explore.
Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes to experience the exhibits at a comfortable pace, especially if you enjoy photography or want to spend extra time with the interactive displays.
Best of all, every Empire State Building Observation Deck ticket includes museum admission, so there is no need to purchase a separate ticket or reserve additional access.
The museum transforms a visit to the Empire State Building Observation Deck from a skyline experience into a journey through nearly a century of New York history.
Visit The Heart of NYC
It’s New York’s can’t-miss experience. Book your ticket to the top today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Empire State Building museum included with my ticket?
Yes. Every Empire State Building Observation Deck ticket includes admission to the immersive museum.
How long does it take to visit the museum?
Most guests spend between 30 and 45 minutes inside the museum before they continue to the Observation Decks.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Interactive exhibits, immersive environments, and memorable photo opportunities make the museum enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Absolutely. The museum features numerous photo-worthy exhibits and interactive displays that encourage guests to capture memorable moments throughout their visit.
What will I learn inside the Empire State Building museum?
The museum explores the building's history, construction, architecture, cultural impact, and lasting role as one of New York City's most iconic landmarks.
