Overview
One World Trade Center may be one of the newest structures to hit the New York sky, but in a short space of time it has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the whole United States.
Of course, one cannot talk about the 1WTC without mentioning the tragic story that changed the world forever on September 11, 2001. The attack caused immense destruction and heavy loss of life.
After the attacks, extensive efforts to plan and rebuild the World Trade Center began. One World Trade Center, also known as Freedom Tower, is the main building of the new World Trade Centers complex and symbolizes the rebuilding and resilience of the city of New York.
Construction of One World Trade Center officially began in 2006 and was completed in 2014. The building was designed by the renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and is the tallest building in the western hemisphere at 541 meters (including the antenna).
The design of the One World Trade Center is characterized by an elegant and sober style. It features a glass facade that reflects light and makes the building appear to reach for the sky. The 104-story building houses offices, shops, restaurants, and a visitor observation deck that offers stunning views of New York City and the surrounding area.
A significant feature of One World Trade Center is its symbolism. The height of the building was deliberately set at 1,776 feet to commemorate the year 1776 when the United States Declaration of Independence was signed. Care has also been taken to ensure that the building is extremely secure and has been fitted with the latest technology to minimize future hazards.
One World Observatory
One World Observatory is located on floors 100 through 102 of One World Trade Center. It is one of the highest observation decks in the world and offers spectacular 360-degree views of New York City and the surrounding region.
To reach One World Observatory, visitors take a high-speed elevator that takes them to the upper floors of the building in just a few seconds. During the ride, they can experience an immersive multimedia presentation that shows the evolution of New York City over time.
Once at the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from One World Observatory’s glass windows and balconies. You can see the city’s famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and more.
One World Observatory also features interactive exhibits and displays that highlight the history of the World Trade Center and One World Trade Center, as well as the recovery efforts after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the building’s construction, its security measures and the sustainable practices used in its construction.
In addition, One World Observatory has a coffee shop and gift shop where visitors can purchase memorabilia and souvenirs of their visit.
Discover Lower Manhattan From Aloft
Reserve your tickets for a visit to the One World Observatory viewing deck and reward yourself with a magnificent view of Lower Manhattan.
Dining & Shopping at One WTC
One World Trade Center offers visitors a variety of shopping and dining options. Within the building is a shopping center called Westfield World Trade Center, which houses a wide range of shops, boutiques, and brands. Here you will find fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, cosmetics stores, electronics stores and much more.
September 11 Memorial
To commemorate that tragic day in which almost 3,000 people lost their lives, the September 11 Memorial & Museum opened on the site of the original twin towers.
The memorial consists of two large reflecting pools set into the footprints of the original towers. They are surrounded by the names of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attacks, including those who died aboard the planes, at the Pentagon, and in the World Trade Center attacks.
