NEW YORK (June 10, 2021) – Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) has partnered with New York State to become the first commercial portfolio to now accept Excelsior Pass as an alternative to current entry screening procedures, and to provide mask-optional entry for those fully vaccinated to the recently reimagined Empire State Building Observatory Experience. The partnership kicks off this weekend when 100 people will have the opportunity to get vaccinated at the Empire State Building and also receive complimentary admission to the Observatory (while supplies last).

As of June 9, fully vaccinated tenants and visitors who present their Excelsior Pass at one of ESRT’s 11 buildings in New York State – including the Empire State Building – will no longer need to undergo daily temperature screenings to enter. This change will benefit the approximately 600 New York-based companies as statewide restrictions and curfews lift and they return to their offices.

In addition, the Empire State Building Observatory Experience will offer mask-optional hours and a special Sunrise Event to fully vaccinated New Yorkers who present their Excelsior Pass. These fully vaccinated visitors will also be able to purchase tickets to the 86th and 102nd Observatories at a special discount.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the news, saying “The Empire State Building is one of the Empire State's most iconic symbols, and these special events will help New Yorkers safely return to the activities and attractions they have missed and provide yet another reason to get vaccinated. For decades, the Empire State Building has represented the entrepreneurial spirit of New York and we are working to get New Yorkers back to the office by utilizing Excelsior Pass at their office buildings, enabling more people to get back to work safely so we can build back better than ever before.”

The Governor also shared that when New York State reaches a 70 percent vaccinated population, the Empire State Building – which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year – will light in blue and gold to mark the important occasion.

"We are honored to work with the State to support Excelsior Pass through special events at the Empire State Building Observatory, as well as at all of our New York State office properties, as a critical tool to get people back to work – and fun,” said Anthony E. Malkin, ESRT chairman, president and CEO. “New York is alive and kicking, and the Empire State Building is here to welcome our office tenants and vaccinated visitors from around the world to the exciting in-person experiences they have always known it for – beginning now and for years to come." 

The exclusive Excelsior Pass Sunrise event for vaccinated patrons will take place June 13, open to those who present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with Excelsior Pass. From June 10-26, the Empire State Building will offer Excelsior Pass holders "Excelsior Celebration" access to experience its world-famous Observatories without a mask on Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., as well as Friday and Saturday nights from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Throughout the promotion, Excelsior Pass holders can purchase 86th/102nd floor Observatory combination tickets at a discounted rate, which gives New Yorkers yet another special reason to get vaccinated.

More than 2 million Excelsior Passes have been issued since New York State launched the first-in-the-nation, voluntary platform in March, which is now available in more than 10 languages.