Celebrating 95 Years of Iconic Architecture and Timeless New York Skyline Presence
The Empire State Building (ESB) , hailed as one of the world’s most famous buildings, will celebrate its 95th anniversary on May 1, 2026. On that day, the Empire State Building Observatory will launch a new experience program, featuring a special birthday light show on the tower and a series of celebratory events to commemorate its glorious history and look towards the future.
The Empire State Building is celebrating its 95th anniversary and remains one of the world’s most famous buildings,” said Anthony E. Malkin, Chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust. “This modernized building is a leader in sustainability, maintaining its technological sophistication as it was when it was first built, and was named the number one U.S. attraction in TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards.”
Anniversary activities and experiences
To celebrate its 95th anniversary, the Empire State Building will launch new experiences and exclusive events, with more information planned to be released throughout the year.
- Happy Sundae Day: Ghirardelli, the chocolate and ice cream shop on the first floor of the building, is now offering the “King Kong Sundae” on the 86th-floor observation deck, and due to popular demand, this offer has been extended until the end of May. This sundae features a silky vanilla ice cream base, topped with Ghirardelli’s signature handcrafted hot chocolate sauce, whipped cream, almond slivers, cherries, and a chocolate King Kong sculpture on top. This dessert is exclusively available at the observation deck and will arrive later this spring at the New York City store located at the base of the Empire State Building.
- A Cloud-Based Celebration : The inaugural “Empire State Building Birthday Celebration Package” is now available, including a guided tour of the Empire State Building Observatory’s exhibition halls and the 86th-floor observation deck, a private party box with the Ghirardelli chocolate and ice cream sundae chef, handcrafted snacks and drinks, and Empire State Building-themed e-invitations and party favors. For the ultimate experience, party organizers can upgrade to the 102nd-floor deluxe observation deck and add professional face painting, balloon styling services, and a visit from the Empire State Building’s popular mascot, Emma Pire. This party package is suitable for 12 children and 3 adults, and can be expanded to a maximum of 25 guests. The Empire State Building Birthday Celebration Package must be booked at least 28 days in advance through esbnyc.com and is available only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- A Dazzling Milestone: On May 1st, the world-famous Empire State Building towers will illuminate with a vibrant, dynamic display of light to commemorate this milestone. The light will illuminate the entire city of New York and be celebrated around the world. Fans worldwide can watch the live stream via EarthCam .
Inheritance that Leads the Future
The Empire State Building is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and since its completion in just 410 days, it has been an international symbol of technology, imagination, and ambition. Its revitalized visitor experience and groundbreaking renovations have set a benchmark for other buildings and attractions around the world.
- Outstanding: The Empire State Building was named the number one most popular attraction in the United States in TripAdvisor’s “2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Most Popular Winner.” This honor is based on reviews and ratings from millions of travelers, placing the Empire State Building Observatory among the top 1% of attractions worldwide.
- A completely renovated observation deck experience: The five-year, $165 million overhaul not only enhanced the visitor experience at the Empire State Building Observatory, but also added a new dedicated visitor entrance and reservation desk on 34th Street, created an immersive museum with nine galleries, added more exhibits on the redesigned 80th floor, renovated the 102nd-floor observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, and updated receptionist uniforms, thus completing the renovation project.
- Sustainability Leader: As the first building in New York State to achieve LEED v5 Platinum certification, the Empire State Building sets a benchmark for efficient building operations with its industry-leading energy efficiency and a clear 2030 net-zero emissions target. Through landmark renovations and continuous innovation, this iconic skyscraper has become one of the world’s most energy-efficient buildings, demonstrating how historic landmarks can lead the future of sustainable real estate. To extend this leadership beyond its own portfolio, Empire State Realty Trust has co-developed the open-source Empire Building Playbook: An Owner’s Guide to Low Carbon Retrofits . This groundbreaking resource aims to provide building owners worldwide with practical strategies to help them modernize operations, improve efficiency, and achieve long-term sustainability goals while realizing proven returns on investment.
For nearly a century, the Empire State Building has been a must-see attraction for travelers worldwide and an unmissable experience in New York City,” said Dan Rogoski, General Manager of the Empire State Building Observatory. “From global leaders to pop culture icons, we have always welcomed visitors from all over the world to this ‘world’s most famous building.’ Today, the revitalized observation deck will not only continue to set new standards for immersive rides but also become the number one observation deck in New York City.”
More anniversary events, partnerships, and experiences will be announced throughout 2026. Visitors can visit esbnyc.com to book Empire State Building Observation Deck tickets online.
About the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, hailed as “the world’s most famous building,” is owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE). Located in downtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building stands 1,454 feet tall from its foundation to its antenna. The Empire State Building Observatory underwent a $165 million renovation, offering a completely new experience, including a dedicated visitor entrance, an interactive museum with nine galleries, and a redesigned 102nd-floor observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows. The world-renowned 86th-floor observation deck is the only one with a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City and beyond, providing visitors with a complete New York City experience encompassing aspects from the building’s history to its current place in popular culture. The Empire State Building Observatory welcomes millions of visitors annually. It was named the world’s best attraction in TripAdvisor’s “2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Most Popular” and has been ranked the best attraction in the United States for three consecutive years. It was also named “America’s Most Beloved Building” by the American Institute of Architects, a top tourist attraction worldwide by Uber, and the best attraction in New York City in Lonely Planet’s “Ultimate Traveler’s List.” Since 2011, the building has been entirely powered by renewable wind energy. Several floors house offices of major companies such as LinkedIn and Shutterstock, and retail stores include STATE Grill and Bar, Tacombi, and Starbucks.
