Empire State Building Fully Reopens Observatory Experience With Interactive Exhibits, No Mask Requirements

Rhea-AI Summary

The Empire State Building (ESB) announced the complete lift of COVID-19 protocols for its Observatory Experience, aligning with new local guidelines. Visitors can now enjoy fully reopened interactive exhibits with optional mask-wearing. The Observatory showcases a recently renovated space, including a $165 million overhaul completed in November 2019, enhancing visitor experience with immersive exhibits and improved indoor air quality. Reservations are recommended for limited visitor capacity. ESB is part of Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT), a leader in sustainability and energy efficiency.

Positive

• Complete reopening of the Observatory Experience with interactive exhibits.
• Successful $165 million renovation completed in November 2019.
• Achievement of the WELL Health-Safety Rating, enhancing visitor confidence.

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• None.

NEW YORK, June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Empire State Building (ESB), the World's Most Famous Building, announced today that it has lifted COVID-19 protocols for guests of its Observatory Experience, in alignment with new state and city guidelines. Masks are optional for visitors, and the many interactive exhibits and elements – including the iconic 86^th Floor Observatory viewfinders – have fully reopened. 

"The Empire State Building is ready to welcome guests to explore our newly reimagined Observatory Experience in its entirety," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory. "Our touch installations, just completed in November 2019, are now in full operation for the first time since our shutdown in March 2020. To appreciate fully the International Icon of New York City, you must come inside and visit the Observatory, and we can't wait to welcome you." 

In November 2019, ESB completed its $165 million overhaul that added a dedicated entrance and lobby for Observatory visitors on 34^th Street; one dozen immersive, tactile, and digital museum-quality exhibits that document the building's history from its construction to its current status as pop culture icon; and industry-leading Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) improvements that include bipolar ionization, MERV 13 filters and increased ventilation that led to ESB's achievement as the first building in the U.S. to receive the WELL Health-Safety Rating. 

Popular exhibits throughout the experience include "Kong," which brings visitors face to face with the famous primate featured in the original 1933 film; "Construction," in which guests are placed in the middle of life-like bronze sculptures and videos of iron workers and masons as they build the iconic tower; "The Site in the 1920's," which allows guests to look through building surveyors to see New York City streets in the late 1920's; "Scenes of NYC," where visitors can see nine famed New York locations through the building's classic viewfinders from the 80th floor; and "World's Most Famous Building," which depicts the Empire State Building as a cultural icon in a sweeping 72-screen, 180-degree surround sound theater. Even the world-famous viewfinders on the outdoor observation deck on the 86^th floor have been uncovered for use, as recently announced on the building's TikTok.  

To maximize the experience, the number of visitors to the Observatory at any one time are limited. Reservations are recommended for visitors and can be made in advance online. For more information about the Empire State Building Observatory Experience and its new offerings, please visit esbnyc.com. 

About the Empire State Building
Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan (from base to antenna top), the Empire State Building, owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), is the "World's Most Famous Building." 2021 marks the building's 90^th anniversary as an iconic landmark in the heart of New York City.

With new investments in energy efficiency, infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The Empire State Building is part of ESRT's 10.1 million square feet portfolio.  ESRT is a leader in energy efficiency in the built environment and sustainability and is the first commercial real estate portfolio in the U.S. to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all facility types, focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder education to address a COVID-19 environment now and broader health and safety-related issues into the future.

ESRT has earned the highest possible GRESB 5 Star Rating and Green Star recognition, and score of 88, in the 2020 GRESB Real Estate Assessment, an achievement that places ESRT in the top 20% of all respondents.  GRESB is recognized globally as a rigorous standard widely recognized as one of the best measures of sustainability performance of real estate companies and funds.

The Building was named the world's most popular travel destination in a study conducted by Uber and was named America's favorite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects. Empire State Building was ranked the #1 New York City Attraction on Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel List 2nd edition. For more information on the Empire State Building,please visit www.empirestatebuilding.com, www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding, https://twitter.com/empirestatebldg, www.instagram.com/empirestatebldg, http://weibo.com/empirestatebuilding, www.youtube.com/esbnyc, https://www.tiktok.com/@empirestatebldg or www.pinterest.com/empirestatebldg 

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SOURCE Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.

FAQ

What are the new COVID-19 protocols for the Empire State Building (ESRT)?

Masks are now optional for visitors to the Empire State Building's Observatory Experience, as the facility has fully reopened.

When was the Empire State Building's last renovation completed?

The last renovation of the Empire State Building was completed in November 2019, involving a $165 million overhaul.

What is the significance of the WELL Health-Safety Rating for ESRT?

The WELL Health-Safety Rating signifies that the Empire State Building meets high standards for health and safety protocols, enhancing visitor experience.

How can visitors make reservations for the Empire State Building Observatory?

Visitors are encouraged to make reservations online in advance to ensure entry to the Observatory, as visitor numbers are limited.