For generations, the culture of NYC has been studied and celebrated by people around the world. Towering above Manhattan, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a cultural attraction in New York, continues this tradition by creating a space where the city, its residents, and its visitors all come together in a reflective, awe-inducing tableau.
From the moment you step out of Rise, the sensory-resetting elevator that jets you up to the 93rd floor, you’re likely to hear languages from around the world. To date, international visitors to NYC from 142 United Nations-recognized countries have visited SUMMIT. Each guest has contributed to SUMMIT’s celebration of the differences that make us all the same.
This hasn’t happened by accident, either. When SUMMIT was in the design phase, one of its overarching themes was to become a location that embraced cultural diversity in NYC. Inclusivity was prioritized in every segment of the SUMMIT cultural experience in NYC.
The creators of SUMMIT wanted to construct more than an NYC observation deck. They wanted to found an environment where guests could access unparalleled views of the city, appreciate art from some of the most revered creators in the world, and feel a sense of community with their fellow visitors. They wanted the lifelong New Yorker and the international tourist to feel the same sense of togetherness when they explore the mirrored installations of Transcendence I and II or sip a warm beverage at Après, the café on the 93rd floor.
Thanks to the thoughtfulness that went into the plans for SUMMIT, the space encourages a sense of mutual respect among guests. Unlike a museum, where artifacts, history, and practices are on display, SUMMIT allows you to become part of the cultural makeup of the space. As guests flow through the installation, they contribute to an ever-evolving global community.
The connectedness SUMMIT promotes can reduce feelings of isolation and enhance the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. It’s difficult to feel isolated when you’re consistently encountering not only your own face, but also the faces of your fellow visitors in reflections across 80 miles’ worth of vistas, architectural wonders, and green spaces.
Of course, SUMMIT stands out as much for its stunning NYC skyline views as for its transformative interior, which melds art, architecture, and technology into an immersive experience. Visitors who step out of Rise transition into the Hall of Light and the mirrored world of Transcendence I on the 91st floor, which offers a surreal perspective of New York City and its many landmarks.
Still, the design of SUMMIT extends beyond the noticeable, creating a seamless experience through often overlooked spaces like bathrooms, staircases, and hallways. With meticulously curated details contributing to a harmonious balance of functionality and aesthetics, these areas are accentuated with art and unique perspectives that transform them into destinations themselves.
SUMMIT exemplifies how mundane spaces can become canvases for storytelling, culture, and identity expression, impacting mood, creativity, and even productivity. The SUMMIT experience, a testament to the intricate understanding of spatial psychology, utilizes art, colors, and sound to influence visitor interactions, making spaces feel larger, more inviting, and exhilarating.
The fusion of art, architecture, and technology at SUMMIT provides a dynamic and ever-changing experience, promising new sensations with each visit. This dedication to innovation and creativity ensures a lasting allure, drawing visitors back to explore its nuances and the evolving journey of awe and inspiration it offers.
All of this makes SUMMIT an unmissable cultural attraction in New York for anyone fascinated by the interplay of space, design, and sensory engagement — things that are greatly enhanced when you have a conceptual appreciation for art itself.
Paintings, music, sculptures, photography, and all other forms of art possess a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect deeply with its themes. This universality is what gives art its power to “speak” and foster cross-cultural connections.
Art plays a critical role in promoting cultural appreciation. For example, by displaying art from various cultures, iconic NYC museums like the Met offer visitors glimpses into diverse cultures and artistic traditions. These institutions facilitate a nonverbal cultural exchange, enhancing appreciation and understanding of different worldviews. This experience helps break down social barriers, which can enrich visitors’ perspectives without the need for words.
Art’s ability to convey universal themes and messages allows it to resonate with people across time and space, connecting them on a personal level. Just as SUMMIT offers panoramic views of NYC, art provides a unique window into the human experience, capturing moments and emotions that are relatable to everyone. Artistic creations like the multisensory experiences at SUMMIT exemplify the enduring spirit of human creativity and the universal need for reflection and wonder.
They can also act as bridges between cultures and epochs. Installations like Yayoi Kusama’s “Clouds” create immersive experiences that connect visitors to the time and place of their origin. With its mirrors and reflective surfaces, SUMMIT further enhances this immersive experience by making each interaction unique and creating a sense of infinity.
Essentially, SUMMIT stands as a modern example of art’s power to delight and fascinate people from around the globe.
