As part of IPW 2026, Nastassia Welter spoke with ABC Mundial about one of New York City’s most innovative attractions: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an experience that redefines the traditional concept of an urban observation deck.

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan next to Grand Central Terminal, SUMMIT spans floors 91, 92, and 93 of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper, combining art, architecture, and technology to create a unique sensory experience in the city.

An Immersive Experience Beyond the Traditional Observatory

During the interview, Welter described the venue as “the most immersive and multisensory experience in New York,” emphasizing that visitors explore three levels designed as an interactive artistic environment.

The journey includes mirrored rooms reflecting the Manhattan skyline, installations featuring floating metallic spheres, and spaces where the sky, clouds, and city visually merge with the interior of the building.

The concept was created so visitors do not simply observe the city, but actively interact with it through installations designed to generate visual, emotional, and photographic impact.

Ascent: The Glass Elevator Suspended Above Manhattan

One of the most remarkable elements of the experience is “Ascent,” a fully glass panoramic elevator that travels along the exterior of the building.

This attraction lifts visitors in a transparent capsule suspended above Madison Avenue, offering direct views of the New York skyline from a unique vertical perspective, considered one of the most breathtaking experiences within the complex.

Hours, Partnerships, and Visitor Experience

Welter highlighted that SUMMIT allows visitors complete freedom to explore the experience at their own pace without time restrictions once inside the attraction.

Regarding timing, she especially recommended visiting during sunset and nighttime hours, when the city lights intensify the reflections and visual immersion throughout the installations.

On the commercial side, she explained that tickets are available through the official website and partner platforms such as GetYourGuide and international tour operators, including CVC in Argentina and Brazil. Special rates are also available for groups larger than 15 people.

A New Paradigm for New York Observation Decks

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt positions itself as an evolution of the traditional observatory concept, integrating contemporary art, technology, and architectural design into an experience where the visitor becomes an active part of the environment.

According to its team, the goal is for travelers not only to photograph the New York skyline, but also the interior of the attraction itself, recognized as one of the most “Instagrammable” spaces in the world.

With this proposal, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt reaffirms its place as one of the most innovative tourism experiences in New York City, where the sky is no longer the limit but part of the experience itself.