Relive A Historic Photo On A Dangling Beam At Rockefeller Center In NYC

Image via Rockefeller Center

At New York City’s Rockefeller Center, a new attraction called The Beam is taking visitors’ experiences to dizzying new heights. Located on the 69th floor of the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, this exhilarating feature offers a chance to step into the shoes—or rather, sit on the beam—of the workers in the famous 1932 photograph Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.

An iconic snapshot from the early 20th century, the historic photo captures a moment in time during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It shows 11 workers nonchalantly eating lunch while perched on a steel beam on September 20, 1932, their legs dangling hundreds of feet above the streets of Manhattan. The picture is widely attributed to Charles C. Ebbets, though there has been some debate over the years about the true identity of the photographer.

 

Image via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

The image, both awe-inspiring and vertigo-inducing, has become a symbol of the fearlessness and determination of the American worker during a time of great architectural and economic expansion.

For an additional fee, thrill-seekers will be strapped onto a replica of a steel beam, lifted 12 feet above the platform, and this time rotated 180 degrees to soak in breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For visitors not quite ready to walk (or sit) on the wild side, they can look forward to the upcoming Sky Lift, set to open in 2024. This attraction will elevate visitors 30 feet above the 70th-floor rooftop on a circular glass platform, adding another layer of excitement to the Rockefeller experience.

Of course, Rockefeller Center isn’t just about sky-high thrills; it also offers more grounded attractions like the iconic ice rink and the celebrated Christmas tree, making it a versatile destination for all kinds of visitors.

The Beam experience is a US$25 add-on to the standard Top of the Rock ticket, priced between US$40 and US$55 for adults, and includes a digital photo to immortalize the heart-pumping moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[via Travel + Leisure, USA Today, NBC New York, images via various sources]