Acrophobics beware: a new tourist attraction that allows visitors to “levitate” in glass-bottomed booths at 1,063ft has launched in New York.
The One Vanderbilt skyscraper in Manhattan has unveiled its “Summit” experience, which includes fully transparent, glass-floored lifts to whizz guests up 1,000ft in just 42 seconds.
There’s also an outdoor terrace at 1,200ft, showcasing stellar views of the city, plus “Levitation” – a number of glass-bottomed booths overlooking Madison Avenue.
An indoor installation called “Air” allows visitors to walk through mirrored rooms that reflect the city and sky over and over again; the exhibit combines sound and lighting to create an immersive experience.
“Every time you come, it is radically different,” creator Kenzo Digital told Time Out of the installation. He described it as a “massive cathedral” that highlights the “fluidity of nature”.
In addition, an all-day après-ski style café serves up snacks, while a bar by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events will dish out drinks.
Plus there’s an art gallery, which will host an exhibition calls “Clouds” by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
“We have created a destination that offers an interactive experience that will be remembered for a lifetime with the best, amplified views in all of New York City,” said Marc Holliday, the chairman and CEO of SL Green.
“Summit One Vanderbilt is awe-inspiring, magical and needs to be experienced to be understood.
”It is a special, thrilling place that New Yorkers and travellers from across the country and the world will want to visit time and time again.“
One Vanderbilt is, at 1,401ft, the city's fourth-tallest building, coming only behind One World Trade Center, Central Park Tower and 111 West 57th Street.
“Summit” has taken over the skyscraper’s top four floors.
The attraction is being previewed now but will open officially to the public on 21 October; tickets from $39.
