The Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center, New York, NY - Elevator Rides & Observatory Views! (2024)

Filmed on July 4th, 2024 with ‪@PNWElevatorAviation‬.

Welcome to the Top of the Rock at 30 Rockefeller Center! This is the 3rd of 4 total Observation Decks I visited when I was in New York City, and just like the others, coming here was very much well worth it! Built in 1933, this building was the 3rd tallest in the world when it opened, now it is the 28th tallest building in New York City. Despite it being shorter than the other buildings with Observation Decks here however, the Views from up top are still absolutely incredible, and because you're a bit lower than the other buildings, you feel like your more "in the middle of the city" and its buildings if that makes sense. The architecture of this building is also absolutely stunning, especially in the famous Historic Lobby.
The elevators here are also pretty impressive too! While not the fastest in a NYC Skyscraper, the cabs are VERY VERY Nice, and the Views you get of the shaft combined with the projection effects and film are really REALLY cool! Unfortunately, my footage of them wasn't the greatest as this place was PACKED when I came here, but I tried my best, and I very much enjoyed my ride for sure. Originally installed by Westinghouse in 1933, they were most recently modernized by Schindler in 2005 with Miconic 10 when the elevator shafts were expanded during a renovation at the time. Unfortunately the Miconic 10 panels have since been removed since the initial mod (the office cars which I didn't ride still have them), but the cabs look very nice and fit in nicely with the building, and the Projection Screen/Ceiling is the cherry on top.

All in all, this place was worth the visit even if its not the tallest building in the city. The views being a bit lower gives you a different perspective compared to the other buildings here, this building is open till pretty late at night, and there's now even a ride here known as "The Beam" too! I definitely would recommend checking this place out, coming here definitely felt very special as I've seen this place in movies many times over the years.
And with that, I hope you guys enjoy the video of my experience going up the FAMOUS Top of the Rock Observatory here at 30 Rockefeller Center!

As for the elevators, here's a little history on them:

Installed in 1933. (Westinghouse Manually Controlled)

Most recently Modernized in 2005. (Schindler Miconic 10 with New Cabs, New Controllers, EPCO Fixtures, New Lanterns, New Motors, etc. Only the outer doors were left as is.)
Miconic 10 panels later removed and cabs redone in Circa 2010s or Early 2020s.

Camera details:
Sony Handycam FDR-AX43
Mic: Built In

(c) 2024 Floridian Elevators Productions