New Yorkers are about to gain access to one of Manhattan’s most elusive viewpoints. Beginning this summer, the rooftop cupola of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street will open to the public for free guided tours, marking the first time in nearly a century that visitors can step inside the tower.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday that tours will launch in June, with reservations managed through an online portal. Groups of six will depart from the NYC CityStore at the building’s base, accompanied by guides from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).
The city is investing $6 million to prepare the long-closed space for public use. Work includes restoration of the historic cupola, upgrades to the rotunda landing, fresh interior paint and the installation of glass safety barriers. Once completed, the area will operate as an observation deck offering sweeping, 360-degree views of the skyline.
“From the tower of 1 Centre Street—also known as the David Dinkins Municipal Building—the 'gorgeous mosaic' that Mayor Dinkins spoke of reveals itself in its totality. As we celebrate Mayor Dinkins’ legacy, we’re making that unique view available to the people of New York City,” Mayor Mamdani said in an official statement.
The announcement coincides with Black History Month and honors David N. Dinkins, the city’s first Black mayor, for whom the building was renamed in 2015.
The Municipal Building is among the largest government office complexes in the world and one of New York’s earliest skyscrapers. Construction began in 1909 and concluded in 1914. Designed in the Beaux-Arts tradition, it features a massive central arch modeled after Rome’s Arch of Constantine and reflects the ideals of the City Beautiful movement, which promoted inspiring civic architecture as a path to better governance.
The structure rises 25 stories, topped by a 15-story tower crowned with the gilded “Civic Fame” statue—a 25-foot figure symbolizing the city’s five boroughs. Despite its prominence on the skyline, the upper tower has remained closed to the public since its early years, used primarily for mechanical and administrative functions.
City officials say the restoration will carefully preserve historic details while meeting modern safety standards. The glass barriers planned for the cupola are designed to protect visitors without obstructing sightlines, ensuring unobstructed panoramas of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond.
DCAS staff will oversee the tours, which are expected to run multiple days each week. Reservations will be required, and officials anticipate high demand once booking opens. The city hopes the attraction will join the ranks of other beloved public viewpoints such as the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and the Staten Island Ferry.
The initiative is part of a broader push to make civic spaces more accessible and to highlight New York’s architectural heritage. Officials noted that the project not only celebrates Dinkins’ legacy but also reimagines how government buildings can serve residents beyond their administrative roles.
For those eager to preview the vista, the Mayor released a video teaser showing sun-soaked views over the harbor and Midtown towers.
Originally reported by Gerrish Lopez, Time Out Contributor, US in Time Out.
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