On the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, Edge NYC bills itself as the highest indoor and outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. On June 11, the Hudson Yards attraction unveiled seven new indoor installations.
The observation deck, which sits 1,131 feet above the city streets, is now home to attractions that Hudson Yards Experiences says were inspired by the lights, sounds and energy of New York City.
The installations include crystal structures, hundreds of mirrors, a large kaleidoscope and other multisensory environments designed to give visitors more to experience indoors, including on cloudy days.
Among the new attractions are a prism that transforms images of New York City into shifting colors and patterns, an interactive installation where 450 color-changing orbs respond to visitors’ movements, a cinematic elevator ride and a “crystal cave.”
The new installations give visitors more to do before or after stepping onto the outdoor deck. Edge has long been known for its glass floor, angled glass walls and sweeping views of the city.
The indoor spaces add a different kind of experience, relying on light, sound and movement rather than the skyline alone. Visitors can walk through each installation at their own pace, stopping to take photos or interact with the displays.
“In some ways, a lot of these exhibits will be better in bad weather,” Andy Lustgarten, executive chairman of Hudson Yards Experiences, told amNewYork, explaining that direct sunlight can affect the appearance of some installations.
The additions could also help on days when rain, fog or heavy cloud cover makes it harder to see across the city. Instead of relying entirely on the weather, Edge can now offer visitors a larger indoor experience.
Hudson Yards Experiences said the installations will stay open after the four-day launch celebration.
Francesca Merlino, chief commercial officer of Hudson Yards Experiences, said the venue hosted meditation sessions, face-painting activities and vinyl DJ sets as part of its opening celebration.
The launch coincided with an influx of Brazilian soccer fans who came to the New York area for Brazil’s World Cup match against Morocco on June 13.
On Friday, June 12, Edge hosted a performance by musical duo SOFI TUKKER, whose show was “Brazil-inspired,” according to Merlino. Brazil and Morocco played their opening World Cup match the next day at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, drawing many Brazilian tourists to stay in the area.
Hudson Yards Experiences also invited a group of New York City street musicians to perform during the attraction’s opening weekend.
The skyscraper destination offers several dining options operated by Tao Group Hospitality, including Peak with Priceless, Avenue Sky Lounge and Skyline Bar & Café.
“We’ve created a multi-layered, immersive indoor-outdoor entertainment destination where exceptional hospitality, food and beverage offerings, and experience make every visit feel like a once-in-a-lifetime New York City moment,” Lustgarten said.
General admission prices vary, with tickets currently starting at $39. Residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are eligible for a 20% discount on certain admission options.
