Summit One Vanderbilt

Perched atop One Vanderbilt in Midtown Manhattan, New York, SUMMIT is a three-level, multi-sensory observatory that fuses art, mirrors, glass, and skyline views into one surreal experience. From Kenzo Digital’s mirror realms to Yayoi Kusama’s “Clouds,” you’ll have immersive experiences, step into glass skyboxes over Madison Avenue, and toast the view at the Nordic-inspired Après lounge. Throughout, you’ll encounter large-scale art installations that amplify the sense of place. Expect 360° vistas of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park, and beyond—day or night.

 

What to Know

 

Floors:

91–93 at ~1,020–1,100 ft above street level

 

Height:

One Vanderbilt rises to 1,401 feet (427 m).

 

Typical Visit Time:

~90–120 minutes

 

Tickets (from):

~$47.91 (options/combos vary; Ascent glass elevator is a separate ticket)

 

Dress Code Tip:

Mirrored floors—wear pants/shorts/tights; avoid skirts/dresses if concerned about reflections

 

Footwear:

No stilettos/steel-toe/cleats (to protect mirrored floors)

 

Amenities:

Après café/lounge, outdoor terrace, gift shops and a boutique; restrooms available once you reach the experience level (~15 min in)

 

Accessibility:

Elevators and accessible routes available. Operations follow applicable New York City department safety and accessibility guidelines.

 

Highlights by Floor

 

91st Floor

 

Transcendence 1 (Kenzo Digital)

A vast, mirror-walled chamber with floor-to-ceiling windows. The mirrored floors/ceilings create infinite cityscapes featuring the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings.

 

Reflect (Yayoi Kusama’s Clouds)

A calmer, gallery-style room with stainless-steel “cloud” forms laid across the floor—great for close-up, low-angle photography.

 

Affinity

A playful room with floating silver orbs; mirrors multiply the spheres for striking portraits.

 

92nd Floor

 

Transcendence 2

The upper tier of the mirror world with glass floor portals peering down to the 91st.

 

Levitation (Glass Skyboxes, ~1,063 ft above street)

Two clear boxes projecting over Madison Ave—stand on transparent floors with city traffic far below.

 

Unity

Scan your wristband; a real-time render floats your face among digital clouds—fun for families and groups.

 

93rd Floor

Après (Lounge & Café)

Nordic-inspired food drink options and light fare with wraparound windows—ideal for a breather between photo bursts.

 

Terrace (Open-Air Observation)

Panoramas over Midtown and the East River; wind and temps can differ from street level.

 

Ascent (External All-Glass Elevator, limited availability)

Climbs above the deck to the highest public vantage of the building. It often requires a separate ticket or on-site upgrade; may close for weather or capacity.

 

Boutique (Gift Shop)

Branded souvenirs, skyline prints, and building models. If you’re tight on time, save shopping for the end; re-entry isn’t guaranteed.

 

 

How to Get There

Go through the Grand Central Terminal transit hall (from the Main Concourse, head west toward Vanderbilt Ave). Alternatively, use the doors next to TD Bank on Vanderbilt Avenue.
Note: You cannot access SUMMIT through One Vanderbilt’s main office lobby.

 

Subway

- 4/5/6, 7, and S (Shuttle) to Grand Central–42 St — all connect directly to the Terminal.

- From the platforms, follow signs for Vanderbilt Ave / One Vanderbilt / Transit Hall.

Commuter Rail

- Metro-North Railroad to Grand Central Terminal (steps from the entrance).

- LIRR to Grand Central Madison (follow wayfinding up to the Main Concourse, then west to the transit hall).

 

Bus

• Crosstown: M42 along 42nd St.
• North–South nearby: M1/M2/M3/M4 (Madison/5th), M101/M102/M103 (Lexington/3rd).
• Disembark near 42nd St & Madison/Vanderbilt and walk 1–3 minutes.

 

Walking

- You’ll approach along 42nd Street, with clear wayfinding into Grand Central’s transit hall.

- From Bryant Park / NYPL (5th Ave & 42nd St): 5–7 minutes east along 42nd St to Grand Central; enter the transit hall.

- From Times Square: One stop on 7 or S to Grand Central, or ~12–15 minutes on foot via 42nd St.

 

Taxi / Rideshare

 Use 42nd St (near Grand Central) or Madison Ave at 42nd/43rd for drop-off. Vanderbilt Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets is a pedestrian plaza.

 

Driving & Parking

Street parking is scarce. Use nearby garages around Madison, 43rd, and 44th Streets. Allow extra time for Midtown traffic.

 

Accessibility

Fully accessible routes and elevators from Grand Central into the transit hall and up to SUMMIT.

Tip: Arrive on time for your ticketed slot; late arrivals are accommodated only as space allows and may incur a fee.

 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt depends on the kind of experience you want. 

- Daytime offers the clearest, most detailed views of the skyline, which is ideal for first-time visitors and photographers. 

- Sunset is the most dramatic, because you can watch golden hour fade into blue hour and then night. If you want sunset, book a slot 60–90 minutes before the published sunset time so you can see day, sunset, and night in a single visit.

- Nighttime transforms the mirrors and glass into a luminous city-light spectacle that feels entirely different from the day.

- Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and school holidays. The first entry of the day and the last entry of the evening are usually the calmest times.

- From the East Side vantage point, views sweep across to the West Side for a full Midtown panorama.

 

Keep in Mind That

- Weather affects visibility and access. Clear, crisp winter days and post-rain afternoons often deliver the sharpest views, while midsummer can be hazier. 

- High winds or storms can temporarily close the terrace or Ascent elevator, so you should check conditions on the day of your visit. 

- Because mirrored floors can produce glare, sunglasses are helpful during bright midday hours.

 

Features of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

 

Three-Level Observatory:

The experience spans the 91st–93rd floors and is designed as a continuous journey rather than a single viewing deck, unfolding across ample square feet of mirrored space. Each level offers distinct installations and perspectives of the skyline.

 

AIR by Kenzo Digital:

The signature immersive environment uses mirrors, light, and sound to create infinity-like vistas. The sequence includes Transcendence (two levels), Affinity (interactive silver orbs), and Unity (a digital cloudscape that incorporates guest face scans).

 

Reflect by Yayoi Kusama:

While not a museum, SUMMIT echoes art galleries and galleries in New York with immersive art exhibits and site-specific works of art presented at observation-deck scale.

 

Levitation Skyboxes:

Two glass enclosures project from the façade more than 1,000 feet above Madison Avenue. Guests can step onto clear floors and look straight down to the streets below.

 

Ascent Glass Elevator (Upgrade):

An external, all-glass elevator rises above the main observation deck to the building’s highest public vantage. Access is capacity and weather dependent and often requires a separate ticket.

 

Open-Air Terrace:

The wraparound outdoor area delivers unobstructed views of Midtown, the East River, and landmark towers. Conditions can be windier and cooler than at street level.

 

Après Lounge & Café:

A Nordic-inspired lounge serves light fare and cocktails with floor-to-ceiling views. It provides a comfortable break between installations and photo stops.

 

Choreographed Circulation:

Quiet escalators, wide corridors, and staged sightlines organize foot traffic and frame reveal moments. The layout reduces bottlenecks and helps guests pace the experience.

 

Photo-Friendly Design:

Mirror planes, glass portals, and large-format windows are positioned for skyline portraits and reflective compositions. Staff-managed queues at Levitation help maintain safe, timely photo opportunities.

 

Integrated Technology:

Timed entry, wristband scanning, and synchronized media create personalized and smoothly sequenced interactions, especially in Unity.

 

Grand Central Access:

A dedicated entrance in the Grand Central transit hall connects the observatory to subway, Metro-North, and LIRR services. This direct access simplifies arrival and departure.

 

Accessibility & Guest Services:

Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available on the experience levels. Strollers and service animals are permitted, and staff are present throughout to assist.