The Beam Experience at Top of The Rock in New York

January 24, 2025 New York Info Comments Off

The Beam experience in New York is a sensational attraction on the observation deck of Top of The Rock. And it offers visitors the opportunity to recreate the famous 1932 photo, “Lunch on the Top of a Skyscraper.” But is the Beam experience at Top of The Rock worth it? In this blog we will tell you all about that.

What is the Beam Experience?

The Beam is a spectacular attraction on the observation deck of Top of The Rock. And consists of a steel beam that lifts you up 3 meters. The entire attraction is a recreation of the famous 1932 photo, ‘Lunch on the Top of a Skyscraper’.

“Lunch Atop a Skyscraper”: an iconic photo from 1932

“Lunch on the Top of a Skyscraper” is an iconic photograph from 1932 showing 11 workers, fearlessly, eating their lunch on a steel beam suspended more than 800 feet above the Manhattan ground. The iconic photo was taken during construction of the 69th floor of the RCA Building in Rockefeller Center, now known as ’30 Rock’. And with the Beam experience you can now relive that iconic lunch moment from 1932.

How does the Beam experience work?

The attraction consists of a steel beam that you can sit on and then you rise 3 meters into the air and it turns 180 degrees once and you are treated to a fantastic view.

Is the Beam experience safe?

The Beam experience is a safe attraction. You sit on the beam during the ride and you wear a very sturdy seat belt. During the ride, the Beam slowly rises 3 meters and turns 180 degrees once. During the ride you don’t dangle over the side of the Rockefeller building, but above the solid ground of the observation deck.

How long does a ride with the Beam experience take?

This ride with the Beam experience on Top of The Rock takes approximately 90 seconds. Of these 90 seconds, you will be at the highest point of 3 meters for approximately 1 minute.

The view from the Beam at Top of The Rock

From the observation deck of Top of The Rock you have a beautiful view of Manhattan, but from the Beam experience the view is even more spectacular, because from the moment the Beam turns 180 degrees you have a fantastic view of Central Park, the Hudson River and the skyscrapers of Midtown and Upper Manhattan.

How many people can go on the Beam experience?

The Beam experience can accommodate a maximum of 7 people, but you must be at least 1m32 tall and children under 1m7 cannot participate in the attraction.

What is so special about the Beam Experience?

What’s special about the Beam Experience is that visitors get the chance to experience the iconic moment of the 1932 photo showing 11 workers, fearlessly, eating their lunch on a steel beam suspended more than 800 feet above the ground.

What are the opening hours of the Beam?

The attraction is open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Is Beam Experience at Top of The Rock worth it?

The Beam Experience, together with the Skylift, is a fantastic addition to your visit to the observation deck of Top of The Rock. But unfortunately a ride with the Beam only takes 90 seconds. And for those 90 seconds you have to buy a separate entrance ticket, because a ride with the Beam is not included in a standard entrance ticket.

How much does a ticket for the Beam at Top of The Rock cost?

A ride on the Beam is not included with a standard entrance ticket. So you have to buy an extra entrance ticket. These cost $25 each for adults and children. The price includes a digital photo.

Do you have access to the Beam with a New York pass?

No, a ride on the Beam Experience at Top of The Rock is not included with one of the New York attraction passes. If you are using one of the attraction passes that include entrance to Top of The Rock, you can walk directly to the ticket office or on the 68th floor next to the attraction entrance on the day of your visit and purchase an additional ticket for buy the Beam.

Entrance ticket for the Beam Experience at Top of the Rock

To gain access to the Beam you must purchase a VIP Ticket. With this VIP Ticket you have access to everything Top Of The rock has to offer. The VIP ticket also gives you access to the Skylift.

Where is Top of The Rock in New York?

Top of the Rock is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York.

Special offers for a city trip to New York

Are you going on a city trip to New York and would you like to visit a number of sights and attractions, then take advantage of the offers below!