Empire State Building - Interview with Jean-Yves Ghazi

By Suz Pathmanathan

  • How tall is the Empire State Building? 1454 feet.
  • Four million people visit the Empire State Building every year
  • The building has its own zip code: 10118.
  • Valentine’s Day is the only day that couples can get married on top of the Empire State Building.
  • The Empire State Building was started and finished in a record-breaking 20 months.

See more Empire State Building facts.

As modern life continues to move at pace and buildings stretch skyward to accommodate and entertain its city residents, there's one building in particular that remains the jewel of New York's skyline: the Empire State Building.

Since its conception, it has been a towering symbol of ambition and imagination - a feat of human endurance, ingenuity and financial resolve. As many as 3,400 men worked on the building every day to assemble its skeleton in record time and it cost an estimated $41 million to build at the time (around $558 million by today's standards). Since its unveiling, it has proved to be fertile ground for inspiration. Films such as Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and King Kong (1933) gave the building as much prominence in film as it's had in our collective imagination ever since.

But what's it like to be at the helm of one of the Seven Wonders of the World? We had the honor of catching up with Jean-Yves Ghazi, the Director of Empire State Building, to find out.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. Innovation has been at the forefront of the building's design since it was conceived. How have you kept this spirit of innovation alive in 2019?

Our guests love the building. They adore the outdoor views. However, they weren’t too crazy about the queuing process. So four and a half years ago we embarked on this project [the ESB's new exhibit, second floor galleries], during which time we assembled best-in-class teams to design content and expand the overall experience. This creative, intelligent approach ensured that the ESB continues to inspire our visitors, and places them at the forefront of everything we do.

We kept getting feedback from our visitors validating our endeavor to take the ESB in an experiential direction. We learned how deeply the connection with the building runs when it comes to our guests - it really is a profound thing. This insight motivated us to create experiences that would help fuel their pre-existing emotional connection with the building.

For those unfamiliar with the second floor galleries, can you give us a bit of a summary?

Sure! The second floor galleries is an interactive journey into The Empire State Building's legend and history. Telescopes mimic the original survey markers, and guests can watch short film clips of actors reenacting day-to-day interactions that would have occurred on the street outside in the early days of the building’s construction. They can then explore the building through different decades, interact with touchscreens and ride in a simulated elevator. Spatialized audio, jets of air, as well as an optical illusion with a one way mirror on the floor will make them the feel like they're looking many floors down the shaft. It really is a unique experience.

That's before we mention the massive, digital rendering of King Kong...

Haha, yes. You can touch King Kong’s hands which have broken through the walls. It's pretty spectacular, thanks to HD displays and 4D media elements. It feels like he's right outside the window!

Incredible. Immersive exhibits aside, the Empire State Building has obviously had such an effect on the collective imagination throughout the world. In what ways did it inspire you as a child?

Here in New York, we have a tendency to not visit attractions in the city unless we have family visiting. So when my family came over from abroad to see me back in 2001, of course they wanted to see the Empire State Building. It’s a day I’ll never forget. My family were absolutely blown away by the experience. Fast forward to today, and I’m fortunate to lead the most iconic landmark in New York City – one of the top iconic attractions in the world. It’s a tremendous responsibility, but it’s such a privilege too. Having been in the hospitality business my entire career, I love the reaction our guests have when they visit. It reminds me of the same emotional connection my family had when they came to see it.

Speaking about it being an integral part of people’s memories, what is the most fantastic story you’ve seen or heard while working at the Empire State Building?

We see lots of proposals, and probably the most elaborate one was when a guest started putting down rose petals completely unannounced before getting down on one knee in front of everyone. Once a year – during Valentine’s Day - we also host weddings. (Who doesn't want to be married at the top of the Empire State Building?). Every year we host a unique crowd of close-knit families coming together to celebrate the big day. These are the moments that feel so special to me. But let’s not forget that while these weddings are special moments in their own right, it’s all the other moments – the smiles, the gasps you hear as people gaze over the top of the building, and the laughter of visitors engaging with our exhibits – that we create every day. They’re all absolutely priceless.

Sustainability is something that you take seriously. Can you describe the steps the Empire State Building has taken to reduce its impact on the environment?

Buildings use around 40% of a city's total energy, and in dense urban settings like New York, commercial buildings account for up to 75% of energy used. The Empire State Building, through its energy-efficiency program, has continually beat its energy-efficiency guarantee, from year one. We're exceptionally proud of this achievement and have the ambitious aim of surpassing our targets, year after year.

Cutting-edge technology minimizes your energy use. But how have you leveraged it to change the way you tell stories?

It’s an interesting question! Technology continues to evolve, and the way to tell these stories is with speed, accuracy, and ease of access. All of our exhibits including the interpretive panels come in a range of languages to encourage effortless interaction. From an accessibility perspective and from a technological perspective in general, I can tell you that it has had a significant impact on our ticketing process whereby we introduced ticketing kiosks that include other languages. As technology evolves, we’ll deliver information in a meaningful, fun, and practical way.

What new exhibits are in the pipeline that you’re excited about?

You'll have to come and find out! Our second floor galleries exhibit is still so new, but the positive reaction from our guests have been phenomenal - we're absolutely thrilled. We'll continue to enthral and delight our visitors from around the world - so watch this space.

A huge thank you to Jean-Yves Ghazi for this incredible interview. And if you want more of the best things in the city we've got just the thing.

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NYC Observation Decks: One World Observatory vs. Empire State Building vs. Top of the Rock

Visiting one of New York City's iconic observation decks is a must-do lifetime adventure. There’s an endless amount of fun things to do and historical landmarks to see, but a visit to an observation deck (or two, or three...) is one of the most memorable things you can do on your trip to NYC. Plus, it's a great way to 'see' everything there is to see in NYC. New York City is home to 3 of the best observation decks in the world: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and One World Observatory. We've put together a comparison of New York's most popular observation decks so you can get an idea for what the difference is between the Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock vs One World Observatory so you can decide which one suits what you want to do and see best. Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. 1. The One World Observatory The One World Observatory is an icon of the city skyline with its amazing spire. Travelers can take one of its 70 elevators up to three observation decks in under 50 seconds; it's an elevator ride that feels like a launch. The views: One World Trade Center is located on the south-western side of the Manhattan peninsula (close to the tip of the peninsula), so you'll get close views of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and Manhattan. You can see Ground Zero, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the Financial District. You'll be able to see the Empire State Building (though your view will be farther than from Top of the Rock) and Top of the Rock (though you might need to reference a skyline map to pick it out from its surrounding buildings!). All around, it has views that stretch from Westchester and Rockland counties to New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Long Island in addition to the mighty metropolis of NYC. Then, step into the Main Observatory and view high-definition footage of Manhattan’s streets. Enjoy some artisanal cocktails the bar One Mix and indulge in some culinary delights at One Dine. The structure and its observatory decks are a rebirth of downtown Manhattan after the tragedy of 9/11. Experience the city's rebirth. Admission: One World Observatory tickets are sold separately from The New York Pass. 2. The Empire State Building The Empire State Building (ESB) shows 360-degree views of the city. At night, this international icon displays dazzling light shows to celebrate various occasions, which are often synchronized to music. In addition to its 86th-floor observatory, there's the Top Deck. You can see up to 80 miles away and get a full picture of the city. The views: the Empire State Building is located right in the middle of Manhattan, so from its top Observation Deck, you’ll get one-of-a-kind vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the brilliant city streets below. You'll also be able to see New York City's other popular observation decks; the view from ESB of One World Observatory is much closer than the view you get of it from Top of the Rock, and similarly, the view from ESB of Rockefeller Center is much closer than the view you get of it from One World Observatory. Be sure to check out the Dare to Dream exhibit, which pays tribute to the builders and architects who helped create this historic landmark. There are period photographs, mementos, architectural sketches, and more. If you plan your visit to the Empire State Building around meal time, consider dining at its STATE Grill and Bar for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In exceptional Art Deco design, it showcases New York State’s winemakers, brewers, and farmers. Admission: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York Pass. 3. Top of the Rock The Top of the Rock is a must-do on any tourist's bucket list. The Top of the Rock Observation deck is nestled in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Ascend 70 floors up and take in a sweeping view from three indoor and outdoor viewing decks.There are indoor viewing areas on the 69th and 67th floors Rockefeller Center is chockful of beautiful architecture, culture, and rich history. Take it in with a guided tour through its gardens and significant buildings. The views: the Top of the Rock is located just south of Central Park, right in Times Square, so you'll get the best views of Central Park when compared to other observation decks. In the other direction, you'll be able to see the Empire State Building framed by the sprawling city, the Bank of America Building, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and more. From Top of the Rock, the view of the Empire State Building is closer than the view of the Empire State Building from One World Observatory. After you pass the Swarovski chandelier in the lobby, there are artifacts and photos outlining the history of Rockefeller Center and an open-air deck on the 70th floor. Compared to the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock is less claustrophobic. Admission: Top of the Rock tickets are included with The New York Pass. The Biggest Differences Between the Top New York City Observation Decks Each observation deck experience provides an educational and informative experience on your way up to the observation deck complete with exhibitions and displays. The locations: where each building is situated will impact your views from each of the observation decks. See the image above for a better idea of where each observation deck is relative to the others. The exhibits: One World Observatory, being the most recently built, features a more modern design and feel and its exhibits explore the development of downtown Manhattan and the impact of 9/11 and how the One World Observatory building came to be. Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building both offer a classic and nostalgic New York City experience that highlight the history of the city with a particular emphasis on the American dream and the eventual prosperity post-Great Depression era. The views: the biggest difference between One World Observatory vs Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock is the view you'll get at the top. Of course, whichever observatory deck you choose to visit, you won't see that building in the skyline. One World Observatory (southern-most building): views of the Hudson River and the city skyline looking north from the southern tip of Manhattan Empire State Building (middle building): views from the middle of Manhattan with One World Observatory visible to the south and Rockefeller Center visible to the north Top of the Rock (northern-most building): views of Central Park to the north and views of the Empire State Building and One World Observatory to the south Popular Things to Do Nearby In addition to these 3 observation decks (One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock) there are other great sites and activities worth checking out while in NYC. Central Park This world-famous park is 36 acres of beautiful streams, waterfalls, rocks and winding trails. It’s ideal for strolling and a wonderful sight from each of the observation decks.Take a romantic paddle around the lake or even a Venetian Gondola ride at Loeb Boathouse. Savor some great fare like crab cakes at the Central Park Boathouse Restaurant. Monkey around at the Central Park Zoo. There’s even pot-bellied pigs, penguins and sea lions. You never have to wait for the carnival to come to town in NYC.In the summer, head to Victorian Gardens for an all-American day of juggler performances, cart rides, and funnel cake. In the winter, hit the ice for some ice-skating. The Statue of Liberty You can take a ferry over to the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island. Visit the crown and see panoramic views of Brooklyn. This colossal copper statue was designed by artist Frederic Bartholdi. It’s the symbol of freedom.The Liberty Island Museum is located in the lobby of its pedestal and chronicles the history of freedom. At the pedestal, you can great views of New Jersey, New York, and the New York Harbor.Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass. The Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city’s noblest landmarks. It stretches over Brooklyn, Manhattan and the East River and delivers amazing views. Take a walk across its promenade above the roadway and feel the city’s vibe. It only takes about 40 minutes.Getting in: the Brooklyn Bridge is free and open to the public. Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour tickets and Bike Rentals you can use to bike across the Brooklyn Bridge are included with The New York Pass. Grand Central Terminal The Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest railway station and a magnificent public space. It’s modeled after an ancient Roman bath and features glimmering chandeliers, an amazing concourse, and a robin’s egg-blue ceiling displaying the constellations.Getting in: Grand Central Terminal is free and open to the public. The American Museum of Natural History The American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum on the globe and without a doubt impressive. It stretches four city blocks and showcases 45 exhibition halls with over 30 million artifacts from outer space, the sea, and the land. Don’t miss it. Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with The New York Pass. Metropolitan Museum of Art Roam the labyrinthine corridors of the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art where you view more than 2 million works of art showcasing 5,000 years of history.Its Egyptian collection features stone sarcophagi inscribed with hieroglyphics and pages from the Egyptian Book of the Dead.Other highlights include the American Wing with collections of American Arts. There are also stunning Islamic galleries with metalwork and ceramics. Its roof garden serves up fabulous views of Central Park and the city skyline.Getting in: The Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets can be purchased online. The High Line Just years ago, the High Line was a railroad track carrying freight trains. Today, it's a railway-turned-beautiful city retreat situated high above the busy city streets.Take a stroll along the path and check out the park's many features, including picnic tables, seating, curving walkways, and well-manicured gardens while you take in the unique views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Getting in: admission to the High Line is free and open to the public. Remember to Save on Observation Decks and New York Attraction Admissions New York City's top 3 observatory decks are at the top of many tourists itineraries. They're all popular attractions, but how can you manage to afford the admission price at each? New York Pass grants you free admission to two of these Observation decks, with Empire State Building tickets and Top of the Rock tickets, plus, admission to over 90 additional attractions in NYC. Get a New York Pass and start saving on admission to top attractions during your trip. For more information get the New York Pass here.
Casey Makovich
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Things To Do In NYC For Solo Traveler On Vacation

Top Things to Do in NYC for a Solo Traveler on Vacation Don't be intimidated by the idea of a solo trip to New York City - it's one of the best cities in the world to experience on your own. New York City will challenge you as a tourist. You'll have to navigate the city (and quickly learn why it's so commonly referred to as a 'concrete jungle') on your own, entertain yourself, and choose your own itinerary--entirely. The perfect destination for a little you time and self discovery. Traveling alone in NYC is an entirely different experience than traveling with a partner or in a group. When visiting NYC alone you have total control over what you see and do. No compromising over restaurants, sightseeing tours, or afternoon outings. Yet to make the most of your solo travels to New York City, you want to choose things to do that are geared at single people. Here are some of the best activities for a solo traveler to help guide your itinerary. Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. New York Art Galleries Spread out across six neighborhoods in NYC are locally procured art galleries, which are perfect for a solo traveler with an artistic curiosity. After all, when you are by yourself you can fully immerse yourself in the art without feeling pressured by others to move to the next activity. Admission: the galleries are totally free to get in to and open to the public. They are located in Chelsea, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, Soho, Williamsburg/Bushwick, and Dumbo located in Brooklyn. Shopping at Cobble Hill Whether you are into books at Books Are Magic, prefer the hip finds at Refinery, or want to nosh out at Stinky Bklyn, Cobble Hill is where it’s happening for shopping in NYC boutiques. For all of your trendiest New York shopping needs, the Cobble Hill shopping district along Smith and Court offer a smorgasbord of delights. Shop til your heart is content without any guilt from tagalongs as a solo traveler in NYC. This is a great place to grab souvenirs for family members whom you left behind for your trip. Admission: getting into the shops is totally free, the shopping however, is unfortunately not. Luxury Spa Days Where is the one place where silence is golden? Why, at a luxurious spa, of course, and New York City is full of these. Consider booking a spa experience at your hotel, or splurge for the Sleeping Beauty treatment at Joanna Vargas Skin Care. And, no, spa days aren’t just for the ladies. Solo male travelers can strive for Brad Pitt’s face with a treatment by the Tracie Martyn Fifth Avenue salon. After all, this is who gives Brad his Hollywood shine. Admission: to experience NYC spa luxury, you'll have to book a treatment or appointment with a spa before you go. 9/11 Memorial and Museum If you visit NYC, then you must experience the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The memorial is on the World Trade Center grounds and features a pair of reflecting pools. Then in the museum in Foundation Hall, you can see a wall that was an actual part of the retaining wall used during the recovery after the 9/11 attacks. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum are solemn places where you will be glad you are visiting alone. Admission: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass. Museum of Modern Art MoMA is one of the world’s most famous modern art museums and a grand adventure for any solo traveler. See works of art by the most famous modern artist of New York City—Andy Warhol—including the Gold Marilyn Monroe painting. Other artists on display include Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, and Willem de Kooning. It is a must-see for any NYC visitor, and when visiting alone you have no pressure to rush through the 250,000 plus photos on display at the Museum of Modern Art. Admission: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with the New York Pass. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Ride When is the last time you tried riding a bike with your kids tagging along, or your parents for that matter? If you are traveling with a group, trying to enjoy a bike ride is nearly impossible. Someone’s always complaining or getting left behind. Well, now that you are traveling NYC solo you are in the driver’s seat. Test your bicycling chops with a bike rental and tour over the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy the sights and sounds of New York City including the Statue of Liberty and NYC Harbor. Admission: Brooklyn Bridge Sightseeing Bike Tours and Rentals tickets included with the New York Pass. SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Instead of sticking close to your hotel and Times Square, venture out into the melting pot that is NYC. Three of the most cultural neighborhoods in the city are SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Best of all, you can take a walking tour of all three and soak it all in. As a single visitor, you won’t have to fret with getting split up from your group. Instead, you can spend as much time meandering vendor stalls and people watching while you dine alfresco. Admission: SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. Brooklyn Botanical Garden As you look for a place to rest your tourist-tired feet, consider a stop at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Tucked away in the midst of a bustling city, the BBG features an array of flora that will give your spirit a lift. From the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden to the Shakespeare Garden, there are several small gardens nestled throughout the property. There’s also a Children’s Garden where kids have been gardening for more than a century, inspiring tourists of all ages. Admission: Brooklyn Botanical Garden tickets are included with the New York Pass. Museum of Sex Let’s be honest, sometimes you want to see the sites of a city, but you are too embarrassed to ask others in your group to join you. Here we have the Museum of Sex, which is educational and enlightening if not a bit eye-catching at times. And if you typically travel with children, now is your opportunity to experience this 18-and-over museum on your own. Plus, for solo travelers in NYC, there is the Jump For Joy exhibit. Here you can unleash your energy and bounce around in a room with strangers. The interestingly shaped round bouncy balls are made to encourage bumping into one another. Admission: Museum of Sex tickets are included with the New York Pass. Remember To Save On Attraction Admission There's always something to do in New York City, hence the nickname "The city that never sleeps". Being that there are so many different activities and attractions to visit in the city, you can end up spending a ton on admission fees. However, if you purchase the New York Pass, you'll gain free access to over 90 attractions in New York. This will allow you to save more money and visit more attractions. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
Go City Expert
New York
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Guide to Visiting One World Trade Center

Everyone remembers where they were when they found out about the collapse of the Twin Towers. Here is all you need to know about visiting the area, from the World Trade Center to the One World Observatory.
Shashia Mitchell

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