Skylines reflected, New York reimagined
Grand Central’s neighbor lifts art and observation into the clouds.
Table of Contents
Origins of SUMMIT and One Vanderbilt
One Vanderbilt rose beside Grand Central Terminal to knit together transit and the public realm with a new landmark tower. Conceived as a gleaming neighbor to the station’s beaux‑arts grandeur, the building channels Midtown’s momentum upward, creating a vertical counterpart to the concourse’s timeless bustle. When the observatory concept took shape, the team imagined not just a view platform, but an artistic, reflective space that would make New York feel surprising again — even to locals who thought they’d seen every angle of the skyline.
SUMMIT opened as a multi‑floor experience, embracing mirrors, glass, and sound to transform how we perceive height and city. By placing immersive art within an observatory, SUMMIT invites visitors to notice the city’s faster heartbeat and quieter moments at once: trains slipping into the terminal below, sunlight drifting over the Chrysler Building’s spire, and the cinematic spread of Midtown beyond. It’s an origin story rooted in infrastructure, design, and the belief that a view can be more than a window — it can be an encounter.
Design, mirrors & immersive art
AIR by Kenzo Digital transforms familiar skylines into immersive reflections. Floor‑to‑ceiling mirrors scatter the city into kaleidoscopic vistas that drift and recombine as you walk. Instead of a static panorama, you’re inside a constantly shifting artwork: reflections of people, architecture, clouds, and light overlap to produce a living mural of New York’s motion.
The experiential design stretches across levels with playful transitions. Materials — glass, mirror, steel, light — are choreographed so corridors, chambers, and overlooks all feel part of one journey. The result is an observatory that’s less about pointing at landmarks and more about letting the city surround you, multiply, and surprise you as you explore.
Engineering the ascent
The Ascent glass elevator rides the exterior of One Vanderbilt, turning a vertical commute into a dramatic theater of height. Engineering teams accounted for wind, temperature, and the tower’s aerodynamic form so riders experience smooth motion and expansive views. Safety systems, redundancies, and operational protocols guide when Ascent can run — a reminder that skyscraper experiences must harmonize with the city’s weather.
Behind the scenes, curtain wall performance, elevator controls, and maintenance schedules all protect the experience. The goal is simple: let visitors feel the thrill of height without distraction, then step back into mirrored calm to continue exploring.
Experiences: AIR, Levitation, Ascent
AIR invites slow wandering — each step bends reflections into new compositions. Levitation, the clear glass skyboxes, focuses your gaze down to street level and out to the skyline’s icons. Together they frame New York as both intimate and immense.
Ascent adds a vertical crescendo. When conditions allow, riding the exterior elevator gives a pure, airy sense of height. Some visitors prefer to stay within AIR and Levitation; others opt for the full trio. Either way, the journey is your own pace.
Views, landmarks & photo tips
From SUMMIT you’ll see the Chrysler Building’s art‑deco crown, the Empire State Building’s steadfast silhouette, and the weaving avenues that define Midtown. On clear days, bridges, rivers, and distant boroughs appear like lines on a map.
Photo tips: sunglasses help with bright reflections, and slower pacing yields better compositions in mirrored rooms. Sunset produces warm tones; nighttime brings luminous contrast. Be mindful of others while framing shots — the space is shared.
Tickets, timing & upgrades
Choose base entry (AIR and Levitation) or add Ascent. Timed tickets reduce queuing and keep the flow relaxed. Families often favor daytime slots; photographers love golden hour; locals come back at night for city lights.
Pricing can vary by day and time. Booking online secures your preferred slot and shows availability in real time.
Subways, trains & routes
Subway lines 4/5/6/7 and the Shuttle (S) converge at Grand Central–42 St. Metro‑North trains arrive in the Main Concourse. Buses along 42nd Street and Madison/Fifth make arrivals easy.
Wayfinding signs and staff help you navigate to SUMMIT’s entrance. It’s a short walk from train to check‑in.
Safety & accessibility
SUMMIT offers accessible routes, elevators, and staff support. Reflective floors and bright light can be intense; sunglasses help. Some experiences have height or age guidelines; check details and ask hosts if unsure.
Footwear and attire: thin heels and certain footwear may be discouraged due to glass elements; consider flat, comfortable shoes. Reflective floors mean people often prefer pants or shorts for comfort; use provided coverings if offered.
Events, seasons & culture
Seasonal programming, holiday evenings, and corporate events can transform the atmosphere at SUMMIT. Winter brings crisp views; summer sunsets stretch late over Midtown.
Temporary installations and special collaborations may appear; check listings for current highlights.
Tickets, passes & tours
Book online to secure the time you want. Some sightseeing passes may bundle observatory entry; compare benefits and blackout dates.
Guided tours aren’t typical here; instead, friendly hosts and clear signage lead the way through the experience.
Sustainability & public realm
One Vanderbilt invested in transit and public space improvements around Grand Central, supporting a more walkable, transit‑first Midtown. SUMMIT builds on that ethos by encouraging visits timed around trains and subways, reducing reliance on cars.
Choosing public transit and off‑peak hours keeps the experience comfortable for everyone — and lets the city’s pulse guide your visit.
Nearby Midtown highlights
Combine SUMMIT with Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, and Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall — all within a short walk.
Further afield, consider Rockefeller Center, Times Square, or a stroll down Fifth Avenue; Midtown rewards wandering.
Why SUMMIT matters
SUMMIT reframes how we see New York — as a living artwork of motion, light, and overlapping stories. By merging observatory and installation, it celebrates the city’s playfulness and grit.
Standing above Midtown beside Grand Central, you feel connected to the city’s past and present at once. It’s a reminder that infrastructure, design, and imagination can turn a view into a shared experience.
Table of Contents
Origins of SUMMIT and One Vanderbilt
One Vanderbilt rose beside Grand Central Terminal to knit together transit and the public realm with a new landmark tower. Conceived as a gleaming neighbor to the station’s beaux‑arts grandeur, the building channels Midtown’s momentum upward, creating a vertical counterpart to the concourse’s timeless bustle. When the observatory concept took shape, the team imagined not just a view platform, but an artistic, reflective space that would make New York feel surprising again — even to locals who thought they’d seen every angle of the skyline.
SUMMIT opened as a multi‑floor experience, embracing mirrors, glass, and sound to transform how we perceive height and city. By placing immersive art within an observatory, SUMMIT invites visitors to notice the city’s faster heartbeat and quieter moments at once: trains slipping into the terminal below, sunlight drifting over the Chrysler Building’s spire, and the cinematic spread of Midtown beyond. It’s an origin story rooted in infrastructure, design, and the belief that a view can be more than a window — it can be an encounter.
Design, mirrors & immersive art
AIR by Kenzo Digital transforms familiar skylines into immersive reflections. Floor‑to‑ceiling mirrors scatter the city into kaleidoscopic vistas that drift and recombine as you walk. Instead of a static panorama, you’re inside a constantly shifting artwork: reflections of people, architecture, clouds, and light overlap to produce a living mural of New York’s motion.
The experiential design stretches across levels with playful transitions. Materials — glass, mirror, steel, light — are choreographed so corridors, chambers, and overlooks all feel part of one journey. The result is an observatory that’s less about pointing at landmarks and more about letting the city surround you, multiply, and surprise you as you explore.
Engineering the ascent
The Ascent glass elevator rides the exterior of One Vanderbilt, turning a vertical commute into a dramatic theater of height. Engineering teams accounted for wind, temperature, and the tower’s aerodynamic form so riders experience smooth motion and expansive views. Safety systems, redundancies, and operational protocols guide when Ascent can run — a reminder that skyscraper experiences must harmonize with the city’s weather.
Behind the scenes, curtain wall performance, elevator controls, and maintenance schedules all protect the experience. The goal is simple: let visitors feel the thrill of height without distraction, then step back into mirrored calm to continue exploring.
Experiences: AIR, Levitation, Ascent
AIR invites slow wandering — each step bends reflections into new compositions. Levitation, the clear glass skyboxes, focuses your gaze down to street level and out to the skyline’s icons. Together they frame New York as both intimate and immense.
Ascent adds a vertical crescendo. When conditions allow, riding the exterior elevator gives a pure, airy sense of height. Some visitors prefer to stay within AIR and Levitation; others opt for the full trio. Either way, the journey is your own pace.
Views, landmarks & photo tips
From SUMMIT you’ll see the Chrysler Building’s art‑deco crown, the Empire State Building’s steadfast silhouette, and the weaving avenues that define Midtown. On clear days, bridges, rivers, and distant boroughs appear like lines on a map.
Photo tips: sunglasses help with bright reflections, and slower pacing yields better compositions in mirrored rooms. Sunset produces warm tones; nighttime brings luminous contrast. Be mindful of others while framing shots — the space is shared.
Tickets, timing & upgrades
Choose base entry (AIR and Levitation) or add Ascent. Timed tickets reduce queuing and keep the flow relaxed. Families often favor daytime slots; photographers love golden hour; locals come back at night for city lights.
Pricing can vary by day and time. Booking online secures your preferred slot and shows availability in real time.
Subways, trains & routes
Subway lines 4/5/6/7 and the Shuttle (S) converge at Grand Central–42 St. Metro‑North trains arrive in the Main Concourse. Buses along 42nd Street and Madison/Fifth make arrivals easy.
Wayfinding signs and staff help you navigate to SUMMIT’s entrance. It’s a short walk from train to check‑in.
Safety & accessibility
SUMMIT offers accessible routes, elevators, and staff support. Reflective floors and bright light can be intense; sunglasses help. Some experiences have height or age guidelines; check details and ask hosts if unsure.
Footwear and attire: thin heels and certain footwear may be discouraged due to glass elements; consider flat, comfortable shoes. Reflective floors mean people often prefer pants or shorts for comfort; use provided coverings if offered.
Events, seasons & culture
Seasonal programming, holiday evenings, and corporate events can transform the atmosphere at SUMMIT. Winter brings crisp views; summer sunsets stretch late over Midtown.
Temporary installations and special collaborations may appear; check listings for current highlights.
Tickets, passes & tours
Book online to secure the time you want. Some sightseeing passes may bundle observatory entry; compare benefits and blackout dates.
Guided tours aren’t typical here; instead, friendly hosts and clear signage lead the way through the experience.
Sustainability & public realm
One Vanderbilt invested in transit and public space improvements around Grand Central, supporting a more walkable, transit‑first Midtown. SUMMIT builds on that ethos by encouraging visits timed around trains and subways, reducing reliance on cars.
Choosing public transit and off‑peak hours keeps the experience comfortable for everyone — and lets the city’s pulse guide your visit.
Nearby Midtown highlights
Combine SUMMIT with Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, and Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall — all within a short walk.
Further afield, consider Rockefeller Center, Times Square, or a stroll down Fifth Avenue; Midtown rewards wandering.
Why SUMMIT matters
SUMMIT reframes how we see New York — as a living artwork of motion, light, and overlapping stories. By merging observatory and installation, it celebrates the city’s playfulness and grit.
Standing above Midtown beside Grand Central, you feel connected to the city’s past and present at once. It’s a reminder that infrastructure, design, and imagination can turn a view into a shared experience.