SUMMIT One Vanderbilt - see it to believe it!
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is so much more than a
spectacular view - it is a series of breathtaking experiences included in one
ticket. I (Visit USA's very own Sky Crockford) had the pleasure of visiting in May 2024 and am still talking about
it to anyone I know who is visiting the city.
Not only is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt the tallest Skyscraper in
Manhattan, it is also the only observation deck in the world where every
surface is mirrored, reflecting the New York skyline back into the building
and enveloping you in the view. It took an hour and a half to visit the five spaces and installations but it is worth staying longer to enjoy a cocktail or
two at ‘Apres’ on the 93rd floor, complete with an outdoor terrace.
Two highlights are: Affinity, a room full of floating mirrored
orbs. This was a joyful experience in
the sunshine, though I’d love to see it at night and experience the lightshow.
Levitation offers two transparent ledges to step onto high above Madison
Avenue. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted – I almost couldn’t bring
myself to try but there were plenty of brave children there that gave me the
confidence to give it a go!
The gallery is currently home to one of my all-time
favourite artists, Yayoi Kusama. Her installation ‘Reflect’ is a collection of
highly polished mirrored sculptures covering the floor space – reflecting the
skyline and visitors into infinity. Unity, is a technological marvel where your
3D face is captured and transformed into a cloud in a mesmerizing, infinite
cloudscape display on a giant screen to utterly magical effect.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is perfect for families, couples and solo
visitors alike. I would encourage all to see it. Be sure to wear flat shoes and
trousers so as to avoid any unwanted reflections! It is essential to book as it
sells out frequently. I would try to avoid sunset as it is the busiest time of
the day. Sunglasses are a must if its
bright out as the sunshine is magnified by the reflective surfaces. Visitors are ushered around the spaces one
way, so it’s important to spend as much time as you’d like in each room before
leaving as you can not retrace your steps.
Summitov.com