What is the Empire State Building Observatory and why is it significant?

The Empire State Building Observatory is an observation deck located on the 86th floor of the iconic Empire State Building in New York City. It offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the city and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York. The observation deck was opened to the public in 1931 and has since been visited by over 120 million people.

The Empire State Building itself is significant for many reasons. At 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) tall, it was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1931, and it held this title for over 40 years. It was also the first building to have over 100 floors. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of New York City and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

The Empire State Building has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and books, further cementing its place in popular culture. It has also played an important role in history. During World War II, the building was used as a lookout point for enemy planes, and in 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the 79th floor of the building. The Empire State Building has been a symbol of hope and resilience for New Yorkers, and it continues to inspire visitors from around the world.