Frequently Asked Questions

How can I request a special lighting of the ESB?

Please fill out the ESB Lighting Partner application found on the Lighting Partners page and either email it to lightingpartner@esbnyc.com or fax it to (212) 760-1418.

How are the tower lights’ colors changed?

For the top spire, the lighting is done with five panels of fluorescent tubes containing five colors (red, yellow, green, blue and white), and these colors are changed by turning a switch. On the setback roofs, there are large white spotlights with metal frames; large colored, disk-shaped gels (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, pink) are placed into the frames. These lights are pitched towards the building's façade, so that the colors are projected onto the building. The building's staff electricians are in charge of the color changes.

I am interested in getting a job at the Empire State Building. Whom do I contact?

Please contact Human Resources at (212) 736-3100.

What time do the tower lights go off each night?

The tower lights are turned off at 2 a.m. daily.

I am member of the military from another country and wondered if the military in uniform rule applies to me.

We offer a discounted ticket ($20.00 per person) to all active military personnel (U.S. and international). Military personnel in uniform are gratis and may go to the front of the lines.

Can I use my ticket to go up to the Observatory twice in one day?

Tickets are for one-time use only. Multiple trips to the Observatory in one day require the purchase of an additional ticket.

Whom do I contact for licensing inquiries?

Please contact Melanie Maasch, Director of Brand Development and Public Relations at MMaasch@esbnyc.com.

Whom do I contact for corporate event inquiries?

Please contact Ashley Tupper, Events Manager at atupper@esbnyc.com.

Please tell me more about ESB's Skyride attraction.

The New York Skyride is an independently owned and operated attraction on the 2^nd floor of the Empire State Building.

I am an out of town police officer and will be carrying my handgun with me when I visit New York City. Can I carry it inside the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building only permits the following law enforcement agency’s members to carry a firearm in the Observatory.

• New York City Police Department
• New York State Police
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• United States Secret Service
• United States Department of State

Is it possible to visit the Empire State Building if you are in a wheelchair?

The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant. We have handicapped restrooms on the 86^th floor Observatory and also have lowered viewing walls and binoculars.

Is it possible to run/climb the stairs at the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building hosts its Annual Run-Up with the New York Road Runners. This is the only time during the year that individuals are permitted, upon qualification, to run the stairs.

Where did the Empire State Building get its name?

New York State's nickname is the "Empire State," which led to the "Empire State Building." Legend is that when Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River, he was so taken by the beauty and majesty of the area that he said, "This is the new empire."

Why is there a big antenna on the top of the building?

The Empire State Building is the center of the New York City Tri-State region's broadcasting operations. Its technology supports delivery of broadcasting signals to cable and satellite systems and directly to television and radio receivers reaching over 7.4 million television households, representing over 6.5% of all TV households in the U.S. Over 130 antennas provide a variety of point-to-point radio and data communications services to utility companies, telecommunications providers and public safety agencies.

What are the best and least crowded times to visit the Observatory?

The best time is to get here first thing in the morning when we open at 8 a.m. or around 3 p.m. in the afternoon. However, there is no guarantee of either time having light traffic.

If we have purchased tickets online, what kind of wait should we expect?

The online ticket printing has saved you some valuable time, as you will not have to wait on the ticket line to purchase tickets. You will, however, have to wait in other lines pertaining to security and the elevators.

I would like to propose marriage at the Empire State Building's Observatory. Do you recommend anything special? Would you close down the Observatory while I propose?

You have chosen the most romantic setting possible for your proposal. We recommend proposing when our saxophonist is on the 86^th floor Observatory deck (Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) to request your special song to help set the mood while overlooking the romantic city lights. Afterwards, celebrate with a champagne toast at The Empire Room, located in the building on the main level on 33^rd Street. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests to close down the Observatory for proposals.

Does the building have its own parking garage? Besides street parking, where is the closest parking?

Empire State Building does not have its own parking garage. The closest parking garage is located on 33^rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, across the street from the building.

How many steps to the top of the building?

There are 1,860 steps from street level to the 102^nd floor.

Where can I buy souvenirs?

Our 80^th floor Observatory gift and souvenir shop is operated by HMS Host Services of New York. The phone number is (212) 760-4678. Also please visit the Empire State Building Observatory Store site.

Can you tell me who makes the binoculars on the 86^th floor?

Tower Optical Company

Can you recommend books to learn more about the history of the Empire State Building?

There are two books which are excellent sources: "Building the Empire State" by Carol Willis and "The Empire State Building" by John Tauranac.

Whom do I contact to request a donation for my charity?

All requests should be put in writing to the attention of Jon Peahl, Director of Sales, and emailed to sales@esbnyc.com, or faxed to (212) 947-1360.

Does the Empire State Building offer discounts to travel agents?

The Empire State Building offers 50% discounts to travel agents with Trade Passes from the NYC & Co. Visitor Center. To obtain your pass and make arrangements for your discount, you may click on the link for NYC & Co. Visitors Center, which can be found here.

Can I bring a tripod to the Observatory?

Please be advised that tripods are prohibited at the Observatory, and there are no storage facilities on site.

I am writing a school report about the Empire State Building. Where can I get information?

There are two books which are excellent sources: "Building the Empire State" by Carol Willis and "The Empire State Building" by John Tauranac. Our website also has extensive information about the building and its history.

How do I get in contact with the vendor who takes the souvenir photos?

Showtime Pictures can be reached via www.showtimepictures.com, where you will also have the ability to see your photos.

Can I hold my wedding at the ESB?

Unfortunately, we do not host private wedding ceremonies. However, the Empire State Building holds its annual Valentine's Day Weddings contest, where 14 couples are selected to get married on February 14, at the world's most romantic building. The contest for the 2011 weddings has already closed, but please check our ESB Right Now page for updates on the 2012 contest.