LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) — An unexpected new tourist attraction is opening in Manhattan this week: the David Dinkins Municipal Building is generally known as a place to conduct city business, but it also offers fantastic panoramic views of Lower Manhattan.
For the first time, it’s open to the public, and you can visit for free.
It’s one of New York City’s grand landmarks — the David Dinkins Municipal Building soars 580 feet into the air and is topped with a spectacular gilded-copper statue.
In Lower Manhattan, it’s the home base for roughly 2,000 workers with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, and for the most part, it has been off limits to the public — until now.
Following a $6 million restoration project, the section now open to the public includes the cupola, located in the central tower.
During the Centre 360 experience, visitors can see jaw-dropping panoramic views of the area.
“You look out, and you see the neighborhood that means so much to you, see all bits and pieces of the mosaic that make the city so great,” said Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Yume Kitasei.
Crews first broke ground there in 1909, and archival photos walk you through each and every step of construction, which wrapped up in 1914.
The building has appeared in several major films and, in 1972, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Some fun facts: This is one of the largest government buildings in the world, with about 1 million square feet of office space, and it was the first building in the city to incorporate a subway station – the Chambers Street stop.
“We’re hoping some people propose up here, that’s our dream, very excited about that,” Kitasei said.
You can only book a free visit online. The DCAS is offering eight time slots each day for groups of up to 5 people.
