King Kong Returns to the Empire State Building!

By Suz Pathmanathan

The Eighth Wonder of the World, a.ka. King Kong has returned to the Empire State Building. Not only is he the inspiration for a brand new Broadway show, but he’s also back where he belongs. The 86-year-old giant ape that first tormented the Big Apple in 1933 has returned with a vengeance in the form of an interactive exhibit at the iconic Empire State Building.

Kong is a part of the new ESB museum that opened last week - a fun extension of the recently revealed tech-driven observatory entrance at 20 West 34th Street.

Photo by: Empire State Building/Empire State Realty Trust

How to see King Kong at the Empire State Building

To experience Kong in all his glory, guests can enter a thirties era office designed in line with the building’s Art Deco sheen. The most unnerving aspect of this room are the broken windows showing two giant ape hands reaching into the building. King Kong himself peeps in through the window via a video installation as he climbs to the top of the skyscraper.

The new museum is another exciting phase of the building’s $165 million renovations, which includes a new lighting ceremony installation and digital hosts. Work is expected to wrap up by the end of this year.

In addition to the King Kong exhibit, the museum looks at the history and cultural impact of the 45th tallest building in the world. The Empire State Building has popped up in over 250 TV shows, and films: the building’s first appearance was in, you guessed it, King Kong. These two icons go way back.

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

The Museum

Be sure to check out these immersive experience featured across its nine galleries. Admission tickets ensure access to the new second-floor immersive exhibits; as well as entry to the iconic 360-degree view open air Observatory:

The Site in the 1920s

Starting at its very beginning, black and white photos show the empty site of the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel before the skyscraper’s construction began. Through building surveyors, Guests can look in and see the New York City streets of the late 1920s come to life in full color.

Construction

Step into the past with moving photographs based on the work of Lewis Hine. Visitors can also interact with specially commissioned cast sculptures of construction workers as they work and take their lunch break.

Modern Marvel

Creating a safe space for the environment is precisely what the building aims to achieve. The Modern Marvel exhibit outlines the specific measures taken to make the Empire State Building a world leader in sustainability.

Otis Elevators

Otis Elevators designed the original elevators for the 102 floors. Walk through a simulation of an actual elevator shaft in this dedicated exhibit from Otis Elevators. It showcases not only how the original elevators operated, but the latest technology installed in the newest elevators. With more than 10 million tenants and Observatory Guests each year, these enduring machines are truly fascinating feats of engineering.

Urban Campus

Most visitors aren’t aware that the building houses tenants from airline offices to tourist boards. The Urban Campus display offers a glimpse into some of the significant tenant spaces, amenities, and hidden views of the building.

World’s Most Famous Building

An original score has been created especially for the exhibit. Guests are free to explore the space, surrounded by more than seventy screens displaying ESB’s starring role in pop culture. These have been sourced from every decade since the 1930s with movie posters and clips.

King Kong

Stroll into an office from the 1930s where the famous giant ape’s fingers reach through the walls. Just like the classic movie, he dangles from the building and dodges vintage bi-planes. Those feeling brave enough can step into Kong’s hands for the ultimate Instagram post.

Celebrity

Many famous faces from around the world have graced the windy observatory atop the ESB. This exhibit highlights some of the most-famous visitors (athletes, musicians, actors) to the attraction. Their images and signed memorabilia adorn the walls. Guests can stop to admire these as they head to the elevators that will take them to their next stop: NYC: Above & Beyond on the 80th Floor.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 2 AM, seven days a week. Get down there and meet Kong for yourself!

Need more inspiration on things to do in NYC? Step right this way.

Continue reading

Blog

5 Gourmet Coffee Houses You've Never Heard Of

Coffee and New York go together like you and this blog. A match made in heaven. The most bleary-eyed of us seek coffee's sweet, soothing sensation every Monday morning. It makes your job bearable, let's be honest. But if you want a more authentic experience than the high-street offerings, where do you go? Where's the best? Well, whether you're visiting New York, or simply don't have time to go to every coffee house, you'll find the sweet, soothing sensation of this blog hits the spot. Here are 5 gourmet coffee houses you've never heard of. Sweetleaf Jackson Avenue, Queens The original Sweetleaf opened way back in 2008. Their goal? To create the best espresso bar imaginable. Their humble shop has tripled in size since then, and they've added three additional locations too. Still, it's a hidden treat that many New Yorkers aren't familiar with. With a focus on the perfect espresso spot, expect real top gourmet coffee across the board. Sugar-loaded milkshakes masquerading as coffees are off the menu. Their beans are roasted right here in the Big Apple, so expect some bite to your brew. Those who are looking for a break from the office, or travelers planning their next stop can also benefit from the free wi-fi. And for all you call analog kids, they've got a record room replete with turntable and a collection bigger than yours. Go check them out before they grow further and become a mainstay of the NYC coffee scene. They even have their own merch, if you wanna show off to your less-learned friends. Image courtesy of coffesphere.com Happy Bones Broome Street, Little Italy Happy Bones have a burgeoning reputation for the best coffee you've never had. This stems from the owners, both from New Zealand. See, NZ has nearly 20 years of growing espresso culture behind them. They had to bring their excellent coffee to New York, and here we are. Happy Bones had an explosion on Instagram thanks to their uniquely designed leopard-print spoons. So much so, that people started stealing them to sell on eBay. The lengths we go to for gram. Taking this newfound fame in its stride, Happy Bones have started to sell these spoons, and an assortment of other HB merch, on their website. But good luck getting any, because they sell out fast. Enough of the gram. What of the coffee? Expect excellent espresso poured by the best baristas. What more do you need? Sweatshop Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn Another coffee house with a foreign twist, this time from Down Under. But what does that mean? Well, it means that alongside some great gourmet coffee and a design studio out the back, you can purchase a supremely Australian Vegemite and cheese toastie. That's...well, it's certainly something. But you aren't likely to find many more places in New York with that on the menu. So gram away, you social media slave. They even have a citric twist on the iced coffee. Their 'Sparky', gotta love the name, pairs a delicious iced coffee with tonic water and lime. That's two gin shots away from being a late-night pick-me-up. It'll also surely hit the spot during the warmer, sunnier days. And if you're feeling generous, there's also merch on offer. Because of course there is. Blind Barber 10th Street, East Village Fusion shops are all the rage these days. On your way to pick up groceries? How about a shop that sells pianos too. Head over to Gin and Tents (G&T's see what we did there so clever) to get drunk and then sleep it off. Blind Barber goes for a more efficient combo. They're a barbershop, as the name suggests, that also sell coffee. Get there early to look and feel fly before you roll into work. Even as the tasks in your inbox add up, you'll catch reflections of your new-fly-self every so often. And that's what the working day is all about. So go grab a coffee, get a trim, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It never sleeps, after all. Weekends are a no-laptop zone, and they also sell beer and cocktails. So your new coffee spot might become your new weekend hang-out spot. Delightful. Two Hands Mott Street, Nolita Another Australian run joint in New York. This charming, community-focused cafe has an interesting menu, and laid-back atmosphere similar to the Aussie beachside. You'll come for the coffee but likely stay for the mouth-watering menu. Croissants and acai bowls are complemented by bigger dishes like burgers, and even a build-your-own breakfast bar. No matter what time of day you stop by, Two Hands has got enough to fill your two hands. And your mouth. And your stomach. What more could you want? And that there is 5 gourmet coffee houses you've never heard of. Probably. We miss any? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want the perfect partner to your gourmet coffee experience, why not ponder some thought-provoking art at the best museums in NYC?
Dom Bewley
Blog

Best Burgers In Manhattan

Burgers are love. Burgers are life. The age-old sentiment shared by people reading this blog all around the world. A perfect marriage of bread, veg, meat, and cheese. And sometimes, other more exotic things. Man Hattaners rejoice, finally you have a one-stop-shop for all your burger cravings. Finally. So fast for a day, and get ready to adorn your loosest belts. Here's our list of the best burgers in Manhattan. Featuring: Burger Joint Emily The Spotted Pig J.G. Melon And more... Burger Joint For the first burger on our list, you've gotta do a bit of searching. Head to Le Park Meridien hotel in Midtown West and raise your burger-seeking hand. Its light should guide you to a hidden room literally behind a curtain. Once there, feast on a no-nonsense, messy burger. Cooked to perfection. And then ponder on all the boasting you can do at work the next day. Because you will. And they'll hold you up, carry you through the office chanting "BURGER LORD". Or keep it to yourself, whatever. Emily Head over to the West Village to try the taste sensation that's sweeping the nation. PRETZEL BUNS. Truly as decadent as it sounds, Emily's delicious take on the American classic needs to be seen to be believed. Just look at that picture below. The Spotted Pig If you're familiar with the West Village, you're probably aware of The Spotted Pig already. It's a burger joint to the stars and is Dorsia-levels of hard to get a table. However, unlike Partick Bateman, resist the urge to take our frustration out on your co-workers. Even if they don't appreciate the magnificence of Huey Lewis. Simply persist, hungry one. Their noodle-cut fries are to die for. In hindsight, perhaps that's the wrong way to phrase it. Easily one of the best burgers in Manhattan, if you can get in the door. J.G. Melon Looking for a burger without any of the overindulgent trimmings? A classic burger. A burger that embodies the simple truth of the American Dream? Well, J.G Melon's might be just the thing. Just beef, lettuce, onion, pickles and cheese in a bun. It's simple. It's fantastic. Rumour has it that the J.G stands for Just Great. It probably doesn't. We just made that up. BarBacon Ever heard of a bacon flight? For the uninitiated, a bacon flight is a taster plate of bacon from different places, cured with different techniques, all with unique tastes. If that sounds like the best thing ever then you're right. It is. And BarBacon, in Hell's Kitchen, should be on your bucket list. Along with their salivating bacon flights, they also do burgers. Damn good burgers to boot. Why not compliment said burger and said bacon flight with some fried pickles? Then simply run around Manhattan for about 2 days to burn off all those amazing calories. Easily deserves its place as one of the best burgers in Manhattan. Burger & Barrel This SoHo joint doubles up as a 'winepub', so if you want to trick a date into thinking you're sophisticated, take them here. Alongside their diverse and delicious wines, they also have a signature 'bash burger' that's topped by a handsomely-sized portion of onion rings. A burger so good it's won the NY Food & Wine Festivals Event a grand total of five times. Just make sure to do all your neanderthalling in the bathroom. No one needs to see you picking stuff out of your hair and smelling it. Le Rivage Bonjour, mes amis. Want a little taste of the tricolor with your American burger? Le Rivage has you covered. It also has a French onion soup burger, covered in cheese sauce and onions. All of that between a decidedly English muffin, and topped with a pickled onion. Mon Dieu! Grade school French is finally paying off. Keens Steakhouse As you'd expect from a prestigious steak house like Keens, their burger is a meaty force to be reckoned with. A thick, juicy patty that would put some steaks to shame is partnered with lashings of cheese, onion, tomato, and pickle. If you don't have much work to do after lunch, go order one from the bar and then vegetate in the office until the end of the day. Whitmans Ever thought to yourself 'I'd love to eat a cheeseburger where the cheese is inside the patty'? How oddly specific of you. However, you are indeed in luck. It's called a Juicy Lucy, and it already exists! And thanks to the good folk at Whitmans, you can now pick one up on your doorstep, or thereabouts. With locations in the East Village, Hudson Yards and SoHo, you're sure to find an oozing patty within walking distance. 4 Charles Prime Rib We end this list, last but certainly not least, with this intimate supper club in the West Village. While not a burger joint per se, their American Cheeseburger is one of the best around. It's simple yet sublime, no gimmicks necessary. It's also served with a steak knife right through its heart. Definitely enough to sink your teeth into. Van Helsing would shed a tear. Apologies, I'm done with the vampire shenanigans. And that's our list of the best burgers in Manhattan. If these aren't enough to pique your fancy, then what the hell is wrong with you? Of course, Manhattan is teeming with delicious burger joints, so let us know if we missed any of your favorites in the comments below. Looking for something to do after you eat? Why not check out the best jazz clubs in town?
Dom Bewley
Blog

Top 10 sights of New York

Melanie Lahmann

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon