Fun reaches new heights at Empire State Building with reimagined experience

MANHATTAN -- "Welcome to the completely reimagined Empire State Building experience. And if you haven't seen it since 2019, there's just so much more to discover," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory.

Over five years and $165,000,000 later, the transformation of the Empire State Building is bringing a whole new experience to its visitors.

The renovations include a new dedicated entrance, a top-to-bottom redo of all the floors, a museum celebrating the history of the building that features 12 exhibits, and a 23 1/2-foot model of the building so you can still have your perfect photo op despite weather conditions, even before the experience begins.

The reimagined Empire State Building takes you on a journey from the Lighting Ceremony Switch to the museum exhibits and, of course, to the observatory deck for a brand-new adventure.

Immersive digital elements bring the Empire State Building's history to life, from the construction exhibit to the film and pop culture exhibit.

The Empire State Building is widely seen as the most romantic building in the world. When you think about romance, think about the 1933 movie, "King Kong," said Ghazi.

Visitors can now experience the classic film up close and personal. The display proudly features King Kong's hands ripping through the building and a digital window showing his face as iconic moments from the film play out. Visitors jump to interact with the display and take action-packed photos and videos.

"I like to think that we co-starred in that movie," said Ghazi. "King Kong" was the building's first appearance on the big screen, but it continued from there. "An Affair to Remember," "Sleepless in Seatle" -- these are all what made the building so famous, said Ghazi.

Ghazi reveals one of the building's secrets through an exclusive inside look at the 103rd floor's deck.

"The best view of New York City and beyond, right here from the heart of it all. It's basically a catwalk at roughly 1,400 feet up in the air. It defines New York City just as New York City is defined by the Empire State Building," said Ghazi

At the end of the day, it's all about what is important to their guests, and Ghazi emphasized how he hopes people feel when they visit the building.

"Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would be running the Empire State Building Observatory, never! And that alone is that sense of wow, I made it to the top, to the best of the best. There is no comparison, so when you're here, you fulfill your dreams," said Ghazi.