ESB Blog: Behind the Empire

Exclusive Events

Rappelers Make History at ESB as they Descend from the Building's Iconic Spire

Lightings

Vikas Khanna Lights ESB for City Harvest's "Share Lunch, Fight Hunger" Campaign

Michelin Star chef Vikas Khanna visited the "World's Most Famous Building" to flip the famous switch in a special lighting ceremony. The "MasterChef India" star toured ESB's Observatory Experience after the ceremony, and stopped for photos throughout its immersive exhibits on the way up to the iconic 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories.

Lightings

Billie Jean King Lights ESB to Celebrate the Women’s Sports Foundation’s 50th Anniversary

On May 2, the Empire State Building lit its iconic tower lights in blue, red, pink, and yellow to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Sports Foundation. Earlier that day, the “World’s Most Famous Building” hosted a lighting ceremony with tennis champion and social activist Billie Jean King, who founded the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1974 after her legendary tennis career.

Exclusive Events

ESB Hosts Street-to-Observatory Takeover with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 and WhatsApp

Celebrity Visits

ESB EXCLUSIVE: Mariska Hargitay Talks the Joyful Heart Foundation and Her Role as Olivia Benson

After she flipped the famous switch and lit the building in teal and green, Mariska sat down to discuss the impact of her role as Olivia Benson and some of the Joyful Heart Foundation's most impactful moments throughout its 20-year history.

Exclusive Events

Uncover Why ESB Tops the List of Best Proposal Spots in NYC

On the hunt for the perfect spot for your NYC promposal? Set your sights on the "World's Most Famous Building." From the panoramic city views to its icon status and reputation as a celeb hotspot, there is no doubt that the Empire State Building Observatory is the best place to prompose in NYC.

Features

ESB - The Perfect Attraction for Group Tours and Events in NYC

Want to impress a large group? The Empire State Building Observatory is the premier destination for parties of all sizes. Named the #1 attraction in the U.S. by Tripadvisor travelers for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, the Observatory is an ideal destination for groups who want to learn and experience the best of New York City from a unique vantage point and make unforgettable memories.

Lightings

Iskra Lawrence Lights ESB Orange for National Infertility Awareness Week

Earlier that day, model and advocate Iskra Lawrence visited the world-famous Observatory Experience, which was voted the #1 attraction in the U.S. by Tripadvisor travelers in 2022 and 2023, to flip the iconic light switch. Iskra was joined by Progyny CEO Pete Anevski and RESOLVE President and CEO Barbara Collum for a tour of the Observatory's immersive exhibits after the ceremony.

Lightings

Team USA Light ESB in Red, White, and Blue for the Countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games!

On April 17, the Empire State Building sparkled its world-famous tower lights in a patriotic red, white, and blue to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games to take place in Paris.