Empire State Building Upgrades Tech For Observatory Visitors

Empire State Realty Trust, owners of the famed Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan unveiled upgrades to its Observatory elevator experience for visitors.  The company launched elevators that provide a special unique show including sound and special effects created by design studio Imaginary Forces. The show plays on the ceiling of the elevator cars both on the ascent to and descent from the famous 86 Floor Observatory. The shows kicked off in August. The remainder of the elevators will be upgraded in the future.

Dan Gregoras and Jeremy Cox creative directors of Imaginary Forces, started the project in 2015, leading team of  visual effects artists and audio composers. There were two unique guest experiences created in the process. The show kicks off as soon as the elevator doors close.

“Located at the heart of New York City, the Empire State Building provides fresh, fun and educational experiences,” said Jean-Yves Ghazi, Director of the Observatory. “Our new elevator shows not only add entertainment for our visitors but by putting them on the ceiling, we give each visitor the opportunity to be fully immersed in our world.”

On the elevators descent, the show comes to a close by showcasing various features of the art deco designed lobby, with special features leading to the iconic mural at the Fifth Avenue entrance. For more information about the show visit