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New Yorkers will soon get to enjoy a view that’s been off-limits for nearly a century. Starting this summer, the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street will open its rooftop cupola to the public for free guided tours, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday.
The move marks the first time the 36th-floor tower of the landmark government building will be accessible to visitors. Tours will begin in June, with reservations available through an online portal. Groups of six will depart from the NYC CityStore at the base of the building, led by staff from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).
Ahead of the opening, the city is investing $6 million to restore and prepare the space. The project includes repairing the historic cupola, renovating the rotunda landing, repainting interior surfaces and installing glass safety barriers so visitors can take in the views without worry. Once complete, the cupola will function as a public observation deck with sweeping, 360-degree views of the city.
“From the tower of 1 Centre Street—also known as the David Dinkins Municipal Building—the 'gorgeous mosaic' that Mayor Dinkins spoke of reveals itself in its totality. As we celebrate Mayor Dinkins’ legacy, we’re making that unique view available to the people of New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani in an official statement. The announcement was made during Black History Month in honor of Dinkins, New York City’s first Black mayor, for whom the building was renamed in 2015.
If you need a refresher, the Municipal Building is one of the largest government office buildings in the world, and one of the city's oldest skyscrapers. Construction began in 1909 and wrapped up five years later. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the building features a monumental central arch inspired by Rome’s Arch of Constantine and reflects the City Beautiful movement, which argued that grand civic architecture could inspire better government. The main building rises 25 stories, with an additional 15-story central tower crowned by the gilded “Civic Fame” statue, a 25-foot-tall figure symbolizing the city’s five boroughs.
And for a sneak peek of the view, check out the Mayor's video announcement here.