RiseNY is an indoor museum-and-flight-simulator attraction at 160 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, in Midtown Manhattan’s Times Square Theater District. Opened in 2022 by entertainment producer Running Subway, it combines New York cultural history with a moving-seat aerial adventure. Travelers come for seven themed galleries, a documentary narrated by Jeff Goldblum, and a simulated flight over the five boroughs—not an outdoor observation deck or an actual helicopter ride.
What to Expect at RiseNY
The experience begins inside a recreation of the original City Hall subway station, which opened with New York’s first subway line in 1904. Its tiled, vaulted-station setting introduces a short documentary by filmmaker Ric Burns, with Goldblum’s narration connecting the city’s development to Times Square. Continue through seven galleries devoted to Finance, Skyline, TV/Radio, Fashion, Music, Broadway, and Film. These mix historical interpretation, memorabilia, and interactive displays rather than following the quieter, object-by-object format of a traditional museum.
The finale is a suspended-seat theater that lifts riders 40 feet into the air. An enormous curved screen presents 8K aerial footage, while movement, wind, mist, and scent effects create the impression of banking over New York landmarks. The skyline views are filmed images, so visibility does not depend on outdoor weather. A separate, optional photo experience uses a life-size replica of the Statue of Liberty’s torch balcony; professional souvenir photographs cost extra. Follow the film-to-galleries-to-ride sequence, allowing time for exhibits before joining the ride queue.
- City Hall station recreation: A theatrical introduction recalling the ornate birthplace of New York’s subway.
- Ric Burns documentary: Jeff Goldblum narrates the city’s evolution and Times Square’s cultural importance.
- Seven cultural galleries: Subjects range from Wall Street and skyscrapers to Broadway, fashion, and recorded music.
- Suspended flight simulator: Moving seats and multisensory effects accompany an 8K aerial journey over the city.
- Liberty torch photograph: An optional paid souvenir captures visitors on a full-size replica balcony.
RiseNY at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 160 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Times Square / Theater District, Midtown Manhattan |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Thursday and Sunday, 10am–6pm; Friday–Saturday, 10am–8pm. Check the official calendar for changes. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid admission; $$$. Check date-specific ticket prices online; professional torch photographs are extra. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60–90 minutes, plus any additional queue time |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | 49 St: N, R, W; Times Sq–42 St: multiple lines. Paid commercial garages nearby; no dedicated free parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | RiseNY official website; +1 718-701-4998 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Choose a weekday opening-time slot for a simpler schedule, especially when combining RiseNY with a Broadway performance. Reserve through the official ticket page, and leave a buffer before curtain time: the flight theater loads in groups. The N, R, and W trains at 49 St are a short walk away; Times Sq–42 St offers more connections. Driving means commercial-garage charges and congested theater traffic. Before photography, follow posted gallery rules and staff directions; secure loose belongings for the ride, and check large-bag arrangements before arriving.
The exhibition route is wheelchair accessible, but the flight simulator requires transfer into a ride seat; it is not a roll-on wheelchair experience. Riders must be at least 40 inches tall. Consult the official FAQ about transfer assistance and motion-related restrictions before booking. Afterward, walk roughly five minutes to the TKTS red steps in Duffy Square, 10–15 minutes to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library’s Fifth Avenue building, or about 15 minutes to Rockefeller Center. All offer a useful contrast to RiseNY’s indoor interpretation of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are RiseNY’s hours, and when should I visit?
Regular hours are 10am–6pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am–8pm Friday and Saturday. A weekday morning works well for travelers wanting time in the galleries before other sightseeing; check holiday schedules before departure.
Do I need tickets in advance?
RiseNY charges admission, with current prices displayed in its official booking calendar. Advance booking is sensible for weekends and school holidays; the optional Statue of Liberty torch photograph is a separate purchase.
How long does a visit take?
Budget 60–90 minutes for the film, seven galleries, and flight experience. Allow longer if you enjoy reading displays, want souvenir photographs, or encounter a ride queue.
Is RiseNY suitable for children and wheelchair users?
The galleries suit families, but children must meet the ride’s 40-inch minimum height. Wheelchair users can explore the exhibitions, while riding requires a seat transfer; anyone sensitive to simulated motion should review the ride restrictions first.
When planning your Colorado Springs travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Colorado Springs, pair this stop with standout local spots including National Museum of World War II Aviation, The Ride NYC, Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (0.1 km away).
