John D. Rockefeller, Jr. first opened the 70th floor Observation Deck atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza more than 70 years ago, to give something back to New Yorkers and their guests from around the world a place to appreciate and celebrate the city.
The Observation Deck's original design was inspired by the decks of the great ocean liners of the era, complete with deck chairs, gooseneck fixtures and vents inspired by a ship's stacks. A trip to the Observation Deck was like setting sail in the heart of the world's most dynamic city.
Closed for over twenty years, this breathtaking vantage point was reopened in 2006 and has been re-introduced to the people of New York.
The space has been reimagined by by the architect Michael Gabellini and now offers a streamlined, uncluttered experience with panels of fully transparent, non-reflective safety glass allowing completely unobstructed, open-air views of the entire city. Gabellini blended modern materials with the deck's original elements like the custom "shot-sawn" limestone and cast-aluminum fleurs-de-lis that are signatures of the original design. The result is Art Deco grace combined with state-of-the-art technology and simplicity.
