Edge NYC unveils seven immersive installations in New York

What does a giant kaleidoscope have to do with the New York skyline? The answer lies in the next chapter for Edge NYC, the Hudson Yards observatory, which has unveiled seven immersive installations across several levels of the attraction.

Since opening in 2020, Edge has been known for its open-air observation deck suspended above Manhattan. It is now placing greater emphasis on the indoor experience as well. The update introduces spaces inspired by the city’s lights, sounds and movement, combining reflections, projections, soundtracks and visitor interaction.

This is the venue’s most extensive transformation since it opened. Created by the studios Moment Factory, SOFTlab and Journey, the new areas span the route from the entrance on the fourth floor to the observation deck on the 100th floor.

The installations are designed to shift throughout the day and react to visitors’ presence, with changing light, colour and sound according to the time and the flow of people.

Edge NYC: from Prism to the 100th floor

The journey begins with Prism, an installation that turns images of New York City into projected patterns and colours throughout the space. Visitors then reach Pulse, made up of 450 illuminated spheres whose hues change in response to movement nearby.

The route also features Skyrise, a lift with audiovisual effects that recreates a climb of 100 floors in under a minute. It serves as an introduction to the journey towards the observatory.

Reflections, meanwhile, extends across two levels and includes 200 moving mirrored panels. As visitors move through the area, the panels follow their motions and trigger different lighting sequences.

The Kaleidoscope experience at Edge NYC

One of the main areas in the new experience is Kaleidoscope. Described as New York’s largest kaleidoscope, it is split into four zones and uses mirrors, music and lighting to create visual combinations that change from morning to afternoon, sunset and night.

Crystals, skyscrapers and dining

Another stop on the route is Crystal Cave, topped by a crystal canopy approximately 7.5 metres high. The structure interacts with natural daylight, while at night it receives its own lighting interventions.

The final installation is Infinite City, comprising 18 columns inspired by New York skyscrapers. Their surfaces reflect sections of the surrounding landscape and respond to visitors’ movements through sound and visual effects.

The indoor additions complement the outdoor observation deck, known for its suspended glass floor and 360-degree views of Manhattan. The space will continue to operate as usual while the experience is expanded.

The revamp also brings changes to the food and drink offering. Peak with Priceless has received new interiors, while the Avenue Sky Lounge is now located on level 101. The observatory also retains the Skyline Bar & Café and the Marquee Skydeck programme, a seasonal series of events held in the outdoor area.