The Empire State Building has unveiled its Valentine’s Day celebrations, offering a range of romantic experiences, including an exclusive private dinner, a classic film screening, and a proposal package designed to create unforgettable moments at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
A Date in the Clouds
One couple will have the chance to experience an extraordinary evening with the Empire for Two package, a $20,000 private dining experience on the 102nd-floor Observatory. The evening includes a gourmet three-course meal, specially curated by the head chef at the building’s STATE Grill and Bar, accompanied by a live musician and a themed table setting.
Before dinner, the couple will enjoy Champagne and a private tour of the Empire State Building’s immersive museum and 86th-floor Observatory, which will be closed to the public for the entire duration of the date. The package offers an unparalleled view of New York City, making it one of the most exclusive Valentine’s Day experiences available.
A Classic Love Story on Screen
Film fans can celebrate love with a special screening of the 1993 romantic classic Sleepless in Seattle, which famously features the Empire State Building in its climactic scene. The screening will take place on the building’s 80th floor on 14 February. Guests will be treated to complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks before heading up to the 86th and 102nd-floor Observatories for panoramic night-time views of the city.
A Proposal with a View
For those looking to make their engagement unforgettable, the Happily Ever Empire proposal package provides an exclusive setting to pop the question. The package includes a guided tour of the Observatory Experience, a private roped-off section of the 86th-floor Observatory, and a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the moment.
Sweet Treats and a City-Wide Gesture
Adding to the Valentine’s festivities, New York confectioner Baked by Melissa will set up a dedicated pop-up cart from 5 to 23 February, offering an assortment of sweet treats on the 86th-floor Observatory. The stall will be open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 am and 9 pm.
In keeping with tradition, the Empire State Building will light up in a pink heartbeat on 14 February as its annual Valentine’s Day tribute to the city. Residents and visitors can receive real-time updates on the building’s tower lights by texting CONNECT to 274-16.
Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory, said: “The Empire State Building is a symbol of timeless romance that provides the backdrop for countless first dates, proposals, and anniversary celebrations all throughout the year. We are excited to welcome our guests from around the globe to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘World’s Most Romantic Building.’”
Following a $165 million refurbishment, the Empire State Building’s Observatory Experience now features a state-of-the-art interactive museum with nine galleries, bespoke host uniforms, and an upgraded 102nd-floor Observatory. It was recently recognised as the world’s number one attraction in the 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year.