Eleven workers rest, have lunch and smoke on a steel beam with New York City at their feet. In black and white, the 1932 photo “went viral” long before the Internet existed and, from the Great Depression to the present day, it is a historical, social and cultural icon that is sold on mugs, T-shirts or refrigerator magnets. In the United States, the merchandising It always surpasses the imagination.
Contemplation of the image is fascinating: the workers They don’t know vertigo and they even smile, relaxed, even though they don’t have harnesses and are 240 meters high during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
With the name of Lunch atop a Skyscraper (in Spanish, “Lunch on a skyscraper”), the photograph can be recreated by visitors who go to the new attraction The Beamat the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center.
In Midtown Manhattan, that observation platform inaugurated The Beam last December, which allows you to relive the experience more than 90 years later in an interactive photo from the building’s observation deck.
What is The Beam? Visitors are secured with belts in a metal structure that emulates the original beam of the 69th floor of the Rockefeller, to rise about 3.6 meters above the viewpoint.
Once up, the beam rotates 180 degrees and offers spectacular views of Central Park and the Big Apple before beginning the descent.
In total, The Beam rises to more than 800 feet above street level (more than 240 meters high). Therefore, it allows those who dare to enjoy a unique visual and photographic opportunity.
While some rise on the beam, others can enter the place and have a hot chocolate and some snacks in “The Weather Room” to cope with the current low temperatures of the Northern Hemisphere, within the framework of this new Top of the Rock experience.
Guests also receive a digital image reminiscent of the famous photograph of lunch at the top of a skyscraper.
Technical data and curiosities
• This photo was taken on September 20, 1932 when 11 blacksmiths were having lunch on a steel beam while 30 Rockefeller Plaza was under construction.
• Although it is known as “Lunch atop a Skyscraper,” the photo has gone by different names over the decades, including “Lunch on a Beam” and “Men on a Beam.”
• It was first published in the Sunday supplement of the New York Herald Tribune on October 2, 1932.
• Some thought the photo was originally taken at the Empire State Building.
There is still no certainty about the purpose of the image, and it is believed that it could have been made to advertise Rockefeller Center.
• Among the blacksmiths there were Americans and Irish, Italian, Scandinavian, Oriental, German and Canadian immigrants.
• The identity of the photographer and the subjects of the photographs remains unknown and historians and the Corbis agency cannot agree. Some believe the author was Charles Clyde Ebbets.
• In 1933, the observation desk was the first attraction to open to the public after the opening of 30 Rock.
• However, in 1986 the gazebo was closed and, after almost 20 years and extensive remodeling inside and out, it was reopened as Top of the Rock in 2005.
Where is it and how much does it cost?
After admiring the views from Top of the Rock, visitors can spend time exploring the iconic monument built by those who envisioned building a “city within a city” almost 100 years ago.
To go up to the viewpoint you have to enter on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
How much does it cost? Visitors have to pay US$25 additional to the regular Top of the Rock ticket, which includes experience and digital photography. The Beam is included in all VIP and VIP Rock passes.
The Top of the Rock ticket is required to access the building and sale US$ 40 for adults and US$34 for children.
Other news
From Rockefeller Center it was also announced that 2024 will bring more news, such as Sky Liftwhich will be presented by Tishman Speyer on the 70th floor and will lift visitors more than 30 feet above the highest roof on a circular glass platform.
Visitors will also be able to experience the new level Mezzaninewhich will tell the story of Rockefeller Center through vivid interactive exhibits, as well as a new theatrical experience, digital models and other cutting-edge technologies.
For more information: Instagram @rockefellercenter and @topoftherocknyc; TikTok @rockefellercenter; Twitter/X @rockcenternyc and Facebook @rockefellercenternyc