The sunset from the top of the Empire State Building is a breathtaking experience, a classic for tourists and romantics visiting New York. However, it may soon become a luxury for the few who can afford it. The managers of the famous skyscraper have announced the introduction of dynamic pricing, a variable pricing system that could cause ticket prices to soar, exceeding $100 during peak times.
Currently, the cost to access the observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors starts at $79 for adults, while those wanting to enjoy the sun setting behind the skyline already have to pay $96. With the new pricing, the figures could rise even further, penalizing those who don’t want to miss one of the world’s most famous observation points.
The decision has sparked a wave of criticism and controversy, especially among those who identify the building as a symbol of accessibility and ambition. The decision was confirmed by Tony Malkin, CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, during a recent earnings conference. For Malkin, the priority is to ensure the company’s financial solidity and maintain growth margins, despite tourist traffic not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels.
Even without the increase, a family of five already needs to budget around $400 to admire Manhattan from above. The increase has been significant over the years; in 1931, a ticket to the observatory cost just $1.10. Dynamic pricing is not new in the business world: companies like Uber, Airbnb, and even musical artists like Bruce Springsteen have adopted similar strategies to maximize profits during peak demand.
Built during the Great Depression, the skyscraper has always been a symbol of ambition, a place that has inspired generations with its grandeur and democratic spirit. It owes much of its fame to cinema, particularly the 1933 film King Kong. The most memorable scene of the film features the giant gorilla climbing to the top of the building, with planes trying to kill him.
