The Empire State Building is an iconic New York City skyline fixture. There is so much more to this iconic structure than the architecture and Art Deco interior design. On select nights throughout the year, the top of the Empire State Building illuminates with a beautiful, colorful display. While these colorful displays were not a part of the original building plans, they have become synonymous with the building’s reputation. If you plan to visit New York City, check the calendar and find out if you will see one of these beautiful displays in person.
History of the Empire State Building Lights
When the Empire State Building construction was completed, the building did not have lights that were anywhere near as impressive as what we see today. Floodlights illuminated the upper floors of the facade. Then President Herbert Hoover officially turned the lights on for the first time on May 1, 1931, to officially commemorate the completion of the building. He did this remotely from Washington DC.
1932
The Empire State Building had lighthouse-style white beams of light that could be seen in a 50-mile radius. There were four lights installed on each side of the building. The light recognized that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the newly elected President of the United States.
1964
In 1964, a new floodlight set was installed on the top of the Empire State Building. The first display with the new lights was red, white, and blue to commemorate New York City hosting the World’s Fair. This first display started a new era that involved regular light displays on the top of the Empire State Building.
1976
In 1976, the United States celebrated its 200th anniversary. This year also saw an update to the Empire State Building with a new lighting installation. The building was illuminated from the 72nd floor and up by installing 204 metal halide lamps and 310 fluorescent lamps. While these lamps were a significant improvement, they were also limited to displaying ten colors. These lights also flickered and would produce different brightness levels depending on the color. This is because the light required a gel screen to be placed over the light to create the different color effects. It would take a team of seven people up to seven hours to change the light gels on all of the lights.
1984
The lighting system was upgraded again in 1984 with the addition of automatic controls for the highest anchor mast lights. The lighting system in the mast consisted of 880 vertical 75-watt fluorescent tubes and 220 horizontal fluorescent lamps.
Empire State Building Lighting
The current lighting system installed in the Empire State Building uses advanced computer programming. The advanced technology lets lighting engineers create customized intricate displays that were impossible with older systems. It can create steady light, ripples, cross fades, star-shaped bursts, and rainbows. Instead of ten color options, the LED system can create 16 million colors. Unlike older systems that required the changing of gels, the LEDs can change color instantly, allowing for more dynamic displays. The current lighting system has lights mounted on the 72nd and 81st floors to illuminate the upper portion of the building. The fluorescent tubes on the mast were also replaced with an LED upgrade.
Energy Consumption
The new system uses LEDs, so it uses significantly less electricity than older systems. These powerful little bulbs are 75% more efficient and can last three to six times longer than the bulbs in the old system. Philips Color Kinetics from Massachusettes supplied the fixtures and bulbs for the new system.
Unlike other lighting types, LEDs do not create excessive amounts of heat. This helps to protect the building’s facade and materials for better preservation of this New York City icon.
Awareness and Charitable Campaigns
The standard lighting for the Empire State Building is a clean white that steadily illuminates the building’s facade. This changes when the building recognizes holidays, special events, or causes. With so many color and movement options, the possibilities are endless. The engineers will create unique color combinations and movements to create new displays. Some days, the lights are turned off, and the Empire State Building remains dark. This is typically done to show solidarity and support for a tragedy. You will never see a company logo illuminated on the building. The Empire State Building is for the city and cannot be bought and will not sell out for commercialism.
New Year's Eve
The Empire State Building’s New Year’s Eve light show is one of the most loved light shows. It typically takes place in synchronization with the ball drop events that take place in Times Square. These displays go all out and take full advantage of the colors and movement capabilities that are available with the current system. You will see vibrant colors and intricate pattern movements.
Independence Day
To celebrate July 4th and Independence Day, the Empire State Building has a lighting display of red, white, and blue. This patriotic light show turns the building into a symbol of American patriotic pride.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Each October, you will see the Empire State Building awash in pink lights to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The hope is to raise awareness for breast cancer and encourage women to get checked.
LGBTQ+ Pride
June has been named LGBTQ+ Pride Month. To recognize this, the Empire State Building will utilize its LED capability by displaying a rainbow light show. The goal is to show support while encouraging equality, inclusivity, and acceptance of diversity. This is especially meaningful in New York City where there is an incredibly diverse community of people who call the city home.
Earth Day
You will see the Empire State Building light up in shades of green to honor Earth Day. The goal is to raise awareness about caring for our planet and prioritizing environmental issues and sustainability.
Special Events and Milestones
It is not uncommon to see the Empire State Building illuminated in unique and creative displays that celebrate milestones and special events. This could be local accomplishments, such as the New York Yankees winning a baseball game or a country’s ambassador visiting New York City. It could also be for a global event, such as the anniversary of a historical event, or showing support for a country experiencing a time of crisis.
Cultural Celebrations
New York City has a rich history of immigration and is a melting pot of cultures. In true NYC fashion, the Empire State Building honors this by recognizing cultural celebrations from all over the world. This has included celebrations like Chinese New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and Diwali.
Lighting Schedule
The lighting schedule varies depending on several factors. Holidays, commemorations, and events can change the lighting schedule. Generally, the lighting displays take place on major holidays and days when there is a significant event. However, on other days, the lights will honor or commemorate a particular cause. The lighting schedule can also suddenly change in response to current events.The best way to find out the lighting schedule is to look at the Empire State Building’s website calendar. You can also check the building’s social media channels, as they may announce special lighting events in advance.
Local news outlets sometimes run a story or announcement about the lighting schedule for special occasions.You can also text CONNECT to 274-16. This will sign you up for text updates and alerts from the Empire State Building. This is convenient for locals and visitors to stay up to date.
If you can’t make it to New York City, you can view many of the light shows on the Empire State Building’s YouTube channel. Many of the most creative and beautiful light shows are posted.
Lighting Application
If you have a cause or mission that you would like honored on the Empire State Building through lights, you can apply through an online application. Visit the Empire State Building’s website and fill out the application. Thousands of applications from all over the world get submitted each year. If your application gets chosen, it will get featured on the website calendar, and you will have your chosen day dedicated to illuminating the building in honor of your cause. Do not try to circumvent the system by generating an online petition or going through social media. Those who run the building’s lighting calendar actively ignore these types of requests.
Visit Midtown and See the Empire State Lights
While you can watch the Empire State Building light shows online, it isn’t the same as seeing them in person. Once you know when you are visiting New York City, check the website calendar to see if there will be a special light show while you are visiting. If there is one, find a good viewing spot and get ready for a stunning light show. At just two blocks away, Marmara Park Avenue is a perfect place to stay. You can easily take an evening stroll and see the Empire State Building Lights in person.
Book your stay at The Marmara Park Avenue and stay just around the corner from the Empire State Building.
