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Photos From The Best Legal Views In NYC: Top Of The Rock
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 12, 2016
Modified Jul 12, 2016
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 12, 2016
Modified Jul 12, 2016
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The views around New York City—whether you're on the ground or 100-floors over it, whether you're a tourist or native—are spectacular to behold, and you don't need to be an urban explorer leaning precariously over a ledge to enjoy some of the best ones. Over the next week, we'll be visiting some of the highest legally-accessed views around Manhattan—we previously went over to 1WTC, and today we're visiting Top of the Rock. Click through for a look at the views from 70 floors up, and below are some facts about the building.
7 Facts About Top of the Rock
- The observation decks (there are three levels) are on top of the tallest structure in Rockefeller Center, 30 Rock.
- It was first opened to the public in 1933.
- The decks will bring you 850 feet above the street, and were modeled after the decks on an ocean liner featuring Adirondack-style chairs.
See more old photos here. (Courtesy of Rockefeller Plaza)
- That famous photo of construction workers lunching on a beam suspended in the air was taken during the building of 30 Rock, originally called the RCA Building.
- The building was designed by architect Raymond Hood, who some believe was the inspiration for Peter Keating in Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead.
- The popular deck closed in 1986, and only reopened in 2005 as Top of the Rock.
- You can also get some great views five floors down, at the bar in the Rainbow Room.
Tickets to the Top of the Rock start at $32.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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