Note: This article pertaining to the The One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York was originally published on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 1:30 in the morning and has been updated.
Friday, May 29, 2015 was another milestone in the history of the tallest building in the western hemisphere and the fourth tallest building in the world — at least, at that time, as it is currently the seventh tallest building in the world — when the observation deck that is known as One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York opened its doors to the public for the first time exactly ten years ago today, Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York: Ten Year Anniversary
With its 104 stories and symbolic 1,776 feet in height piercing into the sky above New York while thumbing its proverbial nose at terrorists around the world, One World Trade Center has just about completed the almost 14 years of recovering from that dark day of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when the United States was impacted by a major attack by a group of terrorists which hopefully will never be repeated. A total of 2,977 people died on that day as a direct result of the events of that horrific day in American history.
Final Boarding Call
For additional information pertaining to One World Observatory, please read about my personal experience at One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York in this article when I visited on Thursday, June 11, 2015 — only thirteen days after its doors were opened to the public for the first time.
The last time I stood on the observation deck at the former World Trade Center in New York was Saturday, September 12, 1998 — one day shy of three years prior to the acts of terrorism of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 which will live in infamy.
I personally felt that the United States should have responded by building the tallest building ever and have New York reclaim its title as the home of the tallest building in the world. Yes, I do realize that that would have consumed a substantial amount of money, resources and time; but I also believe that it would have sent a strong message to terrorists not to mess with the United States.
Then again, there is no guarantee that that record would have lasted anyway. Within a week prior to visiting One World Observatory, I experienced At The Top, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is currently the tallest building in the world — and you can also read about the response I received from At The Top, Burj Khalifa regarding my disappointing experience.
One World Observatory
One World Trade Center
285 Fulton Street
New York, New York 10007
Enter on 117 West Street at Corner of Vesey Street
1-844-OWO-1776 or 1-844-696-1776
Ticket Prices
- Standard — General Admission $49.00; but $44.00 if you buy early and save
- Combination — An Upgraded Experience $59.00; but $54.00 if you buy early and save
- All-Inclusive — Experience the Best $69.00; but $64.00 if you buy early and save
- VIP Tour — An Exclusive Experience and the Best Value $79.00; but $74.00 if you buy early and save
None of the prices above include a processing fee of $3.50, which is extra.
Additionally, a minimum of eight ticket packages are offered from which to choose through which you could potentially save money.
One World Observatory is currently open from 9:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening seven days per week; but hours change seasonally.
Parking is not provided by One World Observatory. Use of public transportation is highly recommended. At least ten subway lines serve four subway stations within walking distance of One World Observatory. The M20 and M55 bus lines also stop nearby. From New Jersey, one can use the Port Authority Trans-Hudson line — as well as no fewer than five ferry services.
All photographs ©2022 by Brian Cohen.
Note: The following information was accurate at the time that this article was first published on Friday, May 29, 2015 and is replicated for historical and archival purposes.
Timed Entry Admission tickets
All tickets are timed entry and available in 15-minute intervals. You must be at least 17 years of age or be escorted by an adult.
Timed entry admission tickets include:
- Access to all three floors of One World Observatory — Levels 100, 101 and 102
- Arrival ascent via The Sky Pod elevators — amongst the fastest in the world
- Exciting New York City film presentation in the SEE FOREVER Theater
- Expansive and panoramic 360 degree views of the skyline of Manhattan and beyond
- Special features, including City Pulse, the interactive concierge of One World Observatory, and step out onto the Sky Portal for a direct view down to the city streets below
- Access to curated eateries from casual café fare to seated fine-dining at ONE
Priority and Express Admission includes:
- VIP Expedited entry
- Admission to One World Observatory
Day Flex Priority Admission ticket includes:
- Flexible anytime admission on the specific day of your choosing during regular operating hours
- Priority VIP Expedited entry
- Admission to One World Observatory
Weekday Flex Priority Admission ticket includes:
- Flexible anytime admission Monday through Friday on specific date range of your choosing
- Priority VIP Expedited entry
- Admission to One World Observatory
Weekend Flex Priority Admission ticket includes:
- Flexible anytime admission Saturday or Sunday on specific weekend date range of your choosing
- Priority VIP Expedited entry
- Admission to One World Observatory
One World Observatory will offer complimentary admission to family members of the September 11 tragedy and the rescue and recovery workers who responded on 9/11 and in the months after. Admission will be administered by the 9/11 Tribute Center — which is a project of the September 11th Families’ Association that brings together those who want to learn about September 11 with those who experienced it.
Ticket Prices
- Standard admission for adults and children between 13 and 64 years of age is $32.00
- Standard admission for senior citizens 65 years of age or older is $30.00
- Standard admission for youth between six and 12 years of age is $26.00; but the purchase of at least one adult or senior citizen ticket is required
- Admission for children 5 years of age or younger is complimentary; but the purchase of at least one adult or senior citizen ticket is required
- Priority access of express and expedited entry is $54.00 per person
- Day Flex Priority Admission — which grants one-time access at any time on a selected date — is $65.00 per person
- Weekday Flex Admission — which grants one-time access at any time Monday through Friday — is $85.00 per person
- Weekend Flex Admission — which grants one-time access at any time Saturday through Sunday — is $90.00 per person
Additional ticket packages and add-on experiences — such as One World Explorer and SEE FOREVER Imaging — are available for an additional fee.
Rates for groups of 20 people or greater are available; and space can be rented out for private events.
Prices include New York State tax.
Hours of Operation
Summer and Holiday Hours:
Friday, May 29, 2015 – Monday, September 7, 2015 on Labor Day
9:00 in the morning until midnight; with the last ticket being sold at 11:15 in the evening
Open seven days per week
Check on-line calendar for additional Holiday 2015 dates and extended hours.
Regular Hours:
Tuesday, September 8, 2015 – Thursday, May 5, 2016
9:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening; with the last ticket sold at 7:15 in the evening
Open seven days per week
Venue box office opens daily at 8:30 in the morning.
