One World Trade Center Observatory opening to the public on May 29

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Officials announced Tuesday that the Observatory at One World Trade Center will open to the public on Friday, May 29, 2015, with tickets going on sale Wednesday, April 8, at 10 a.m.

"On May 29, One World Observatory will officially open its doors to the public, offering visitors an inspiring and unparalleled opportunity to experience New York City," said David Checketts, chairman and CEO of Legends, operator of the Observatory. "From sweeping panoramic views, to innovative interactive exhibits, to world-class dining options, we expect One World Observatory to be the premier destination and attraction in New York City for both tourists and local residents."

Positioned on top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere -- on levels 100, 101, and 102 of the One World Trade Center building -- One World Observatory will provide guests with unique views of New York City, its most iconic sites and surrounding waters from above 1,250 feet.

A customized guest experience will complement the seemingly endless views that evoke feelings of the city's signature pride, hope and determination and include exhibits and dining options, including a sit-down restaurant.

The experience will invite guests to explore all three levels, each equipped with the latest in innovative technology.

Upon entry, guests will be greeted in the Global Welcome Center, where a large video board will feature salutations in an array of languages, and a dynamically generated world map will highlight the hometowns of visitors.

Guests will then proceed to a pre-show program, titled Voices, which tells the personal stories of the men and women who built One World Trade Center, and Foundations, which displays facts about the very bedrock on which the building stands.

Visitors will board one of five dedicated elevators, termed Sky Pods, to ascend to the 102nd floor in under 60 seconds. Immersive, floor-to-ceiling LED technology in each cab invites guests to experience a virtual time-lapse that recreates the development of New York City's skyline from the 1600s to present day.

The Sky Pod elevators, among the fastest in the world, will bring passengers directly to the See Forever Theater for a two-minute video presentation that combines bird's eye imagery, time-lapse shots with abstract textures and patterns to present the unique rhythm and pulse of New York City to dramatic life in three dimensions.

The Main Observatory space on the 100th floor will include an interactive skyline concierge, called City Pulse, that allows guests to deeply connect with the landmarks and neighborhoods they observe from above.

At City Pulse, global ambassadors will be stationed under a ring of HD video monitors and outfitted in gesture recognition technology, summoning imagery to the screens and providing guests with close-up views and personalized recommendations.

The Main Observatory also features the Sky Portal where guests are invited to step onto a 14-foot wide circular disc that will deliver an unforgettable view, using real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below.

One World Observatory will also offer three distinct dining options on the 101st floor available to guests with Observatory tickets, including access to curated eateries from casual cafe fare to seated fine-dining.

Catering will be available on the 102nd floor, which will operate as a 9,300-square foot special event space with a maximum capacity of 300. The premier space will include floor-to-ceiling, uninterrupted views, high-end decor and an exclusive, customizable experience with a state-of-the-art sound system and HD projection capabilities.

A start-to-finish visual representation of the guest experience is depicted in the latest video, available for viewing HERE.

Price of admission will vary. Guest admission for adults ages 13-64 will be $32, while children ages 6-12 will be $26 and seniors $30. Guests 5 and under will be admitted at no charge but must have a ticket to enter. All tickets are timed admission and will be valid for a specific time and date.

For best availability for summer 2015, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance.

The Observatory will be open year round, from 9 a.m. until midnight through September 7 and until 8 p.m. During the non-summer months.

As previously announced, One World Observatory will offer complimentary admission to 9/11 family members and the rescue and recovery workers who responded on 9/11 and in the months after. Admissions will be administered by the 9/11 Tribute Center, a project of the September 11th Families' Association that brings together those who want to learn about 9/11 with those who experienced it.

Visit TributeWTC.org/observatory for more information.

Special discounts will also be offered to active and retired members of the U.S. military, with full details to be released at a later date.

Special group rates for 20 or more may also be available to travel professionals, corporate groups, organizations, schools and camps. Submit your inquiry online at OneWorldObservatory.com/groups

The Observatory experience will also offer a variety of Priority and Flex ticket options, available for an additional charge.

For more information on tickets, please visit OneWorldObservatory.com/. Tickets will be on sale for all dates through January 3, 2016. Tickets for days after January 3, 2016, will become available at a later date.

One World Observatory is located at One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10007. The entrance to the Observatory is located on the West Plaza located alongside West Street at the Northwest corner of the World Trade Center site near the intersection of West and Vesey Streets.