Rockefeller Center is home to several quintessential NYC experiences — ice skating at The Rink, the annual tree lighting, the Top of the Rock® observation deck, and now, “The Beam.” This new attraction gives visitors the chance to recreate an iconic 1932 photo depicting 11 ironworkers having lunch 69 stories above the ground, seated on a steel beam.
This historic image, commonly known as “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” was captured during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Today, tourists can buckle up as “The Beam” rises 12 ft above the 70-story Rockefeller Center and rotates 180°, offering those brave enough to ride one-of-a-kind views of Central Park and beyond.
Widely believed to be a publicity stunt, the photograph that inspired this attraction has received mixed reactions over the years. For some, the image retains its original sentiment, evoking pride and capturing the hard-working spirit of those in the trades. For others looking at the photo through a modern lens, the glaring safety issues seen can be distracting. Some construction crews have recreated the photo with updates such as high-visibility PPE and harnesses.
Riders of Rockefeller Center’s “The Beam” can be assured of their safety, as chairbacks (not seen in photos) and seatbelts are part of the experience. Tickets cost between US$40-50 (depending on timed entry), and a digital photo memento is included.
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