For the first time in nearly 100 years, an observation deck will open on the roof of the historic David N. Dinkins Building in New York City.
'09.06.2026'
ForumDaily New York
New Yorkers and visitors will be able to visit the historic observation deck free of charge. It has been closed to the public for nearly a century. Starting June 11, the dome of the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building will be open to the public, offering panoramic views of Lower Manhattan. SecretNYC tells in more detail.
Starting June 11, the city will officially open the long-closed dome on the roof of the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building.
The new free Centre 360 program will allow visitors to soar nearly 183 meters above Lower Manhattan and see panorama city. Previously, only city officials and technical staff had access to this part of the building.
Unlike many of New York's modern observation decks, visiting the new sites will be completely free.
What is Centre 360?
Although the building has towered over Lower Manhattan since 1914, its upper portion remained closed to the public for decades.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced plans to open the space to the public after the completion of a $6 million restoration.
On the subject: The Six Best 360-Degree Observation Decks in New York City
Visits are possible by appointment only.
Guests can ascend to the dome's balcony on the 36th floor, located directly beneath the famous gilded Civic Fame statue.
From the open balcony, you can walk around the site and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.
What sights can you see?
On clear days, visitors will be able to see all five boroughs of New York City and many famous landmarks, including:
- Empire State Building;
- Chrysler Building;
- One World Trade Center;
- Woolworth Building;
- Brooklyn Bridge;
- Manhattan Bridge;
- East River and Brooklyn Heights;
- Manhattan's Financial District;
- New York City Hall;
- Tweed Courthouse building.
A digital game, Landmark Hunt, has also been prepared for visitors. Participants will be challenged to find all 10 iconic landmarks during the tour.
History of the building
The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building has been a part of the New York City skyline since 1914.
It was designed by William M. Kendall of the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White.
The bureau also designed the original Pennsylvania Station and the Brooklyn Museum.
The need for construction arose after the consolidation of the five boroughs of New York in 1898.
The city needed large-scale administrative buildings to reflect its new status.
The building's architecture is in the Beaux-Arts style. The central arch was inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome. In 1966, the building was designated a city landmark.
It was also the first New York City building to incorporate a subway station. The station entrance is modeled after the Palazzo Farnese in Rome and features vaults made of Guastavino tiles.
Civic Fame Statue
The building is crowned by a gilded statue of Civic Fame, approximately 7,6 meters tall. Created by sculptor Adolph Weinman, the figure holds the New York City coat of arms and is adorned with a crown with five rays, symbolizing the city's five boroughs.
In 2015, the building was renamed in honor of former Mayor David N. Dinkins, New York City's first African-American mayor.
Today it is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world.
How to get on the tour
To ensure safety, tours will be conducted in small groups of up to five people, led by staff from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services.
There will be eight visiting sessions daily.
Before the tour begins, participants gather at the NYC CityStore, located at the base of the building.
The observation deck is located at 1 Centre Street in Manhattan. Tours are available Monday through Friday from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Each group is limited to five people. Tours last approximately one hour. The building can be reached by the 4, 17, 6, J, Z, R, and W subway lines, getting off at the Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall station.
Free entry without registration is not provided.
All visitors must have photo identification and wear closed-toe shoes. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Access to the outdoor area is subject to weather conditions.
Reservations open on the first day of each month. Given the popularity of free observation decks in New York City, spots can fill up quickly. You can reserve a spot here.
