ESB Blog: Behind the Empire

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Rappelers descend the Empire State Building

Exclusive Events

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

Features

How to Book Your Trip to ESB: Tickets, Reservations, and More!

Are you ready to book your tickets to the Empire State Building but don't know where to start? From where to find your Empire State Building tickets to sign-up for our newly launched Ambassador Program, this step-by-step guide will help you secure your plans to experience the breathtaking views from the heart of New York City!

Exclusive Events

STAR WARS Takes Over the Empire State Building

The epic ode to the franchise’s villains began that morning with a celebrity visit from STAR WARS actor Hayden Christensen, an unveiling of the Vader-themed Fifth Avenue Lobby windows, the debut of displays by Funko POP! and LEGO throughout the Observatory Experience, and an immersive fan experience by Hasbro and Amazon.

Features

Empire State Building Tickets 101: Choose Your Own Adventure

Whether you're a local who wants to explore your own city or a tourist who will visit the Big Apple for the first time, ESB offers unparalleled views from the heart of New York City, a range of ticket options, and a seamless ticketing process to create an unforgettable experience.

Features

What to Know Before You Visit the Empire State Building Observatory

From ticket offers to the optimal time to visit, we compiled a complete guide of useful tips and insights for your trip to the “World’s Most Famous Building.”

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Lightings

The 2024 WNBA Draftees Light ESB on Draft Day!

The Empire State Building shined its world-famous tower lights in orange to celebrate the 2024 WNBA draft on April 15. Earlier in the day, the "World's Most Famous Building" hosted a lighting ceremony with 15 of the league's top prospects, which included Iowa guard Caitlin Clark and South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso, who flipped the famous switch.

Features

How to Book Your Trip to ESB: Tickets, Reservations, and More!

Orange, Yellow, and Blue Lights for Cesar Millan

Lightings

Cesar Millan Lights ESB in Partnership with the Cesar Millan Foundation

On April 10, the Empire State Building's world-famous tower lights lit up orange, yellow, and blue in partnership with the Cesar Millan Foundation to honor the foundations important work, Cesar's 20 years on television, and the new season of "Better Dog Better Human" which premiers on April 12 on National Geographic.

Chuck Scarborough on the 102nd Floor Observatory

Celebrity Visits

ESB EXCLUSIVE: Watch Chuck Scarborough Discuss his 50-Year Career with NBC!

Broadcast legend Chuck Scarborough kicked off his 50-year anniversary with NBC in the most authentic New York City way – with a trip to the top of the “World’s Most Famous Building.”

ESB lit in pink and purple for Hoda & Jenna

Lightings

Hoda & Jenna Light Up ESB to Celebrate Five Years on TODAY

The Empire State Building shined in a vibrant pink and purple to celebrate the five-year anniversary of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna on April 8. Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager toured the Observatory Experience’s immersive museum and flipped the switch at a lighting ceremony before they took in the views from the 86th Floor and 102nd Floor Observatories.

ESB lit up for the Joyful Heart Foundation

Lightings

Mariska Hargitay Lights Up ESB for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

On April 6, the Empire State Building’s world-famous tower lights shined teal and green to honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month and season 25 of “Law & Order: SVU.” Mariska Hargitay, founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation and star of “Law & Order: SVU,” visited the building the day before to flip the famous switch and tour the Observatory Experience

The Rainforest Café Comes to the Empire State Building!

In honor of this special collaboration, the café will serve guests a limited-edition menu and include all of the same exciting features experienced in a typical Rainforest Café. This encompasses an ensemble of lush greenery and life-size animal exhibits 86 floors up in the sky.

Archival photo of people viewing the solar eclipse from ESB

Exclusive Events

Experience the 2024 Solar Eclipse in New York from the Best Viewpoint in the City

On April 8, New Yorkers can look skyward to witness the 2024 solar eclipse -- the last that will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044. see your full guide to capture a rare glimpse of the obscured sun this month.

Hayden Christensen at ESB's Construction Exhibit

ESB EXCLUSIVE: Watch STAR WARS Actor Hayden Christensen Discuss the Epic ESB Takeover!

Hear from the Chosen One himself. Hayden Christensen kicked off the festivities with this exclusive interview, where he discussed his role in STAR WARS and the franchise's legacy.