New York has a new must-do attraction.

After being closed for 20 years, the observatory at Rockefeller Center has reopened as Top of the Rock™. Mayor Bloomberg was on hand to unveil the view from the 69th floor of the multi- floor observatory. He was joined by David Rockefeller, Jerry Speyer, and Rob Speyer of Tishman Speyer.

A group of fourth graders from PS 20 on the Lower East Side were also on hand to show off the gorgeous view of Central Park, with the trees dressed in the colors of autumn. The observation deck was first opened to the public in 1933 but the newly opened space has been fully revitalized. Bloomberg noted that the view today from the restored deck is even more engaging than in the past and one that adds to the attraction of New York City.

Two other special guests were there, former tour guides from earlier days of Rockefeller Center on-hand to do a bit of reminiscing. Nancy Kuhle and Maria Chedd were both guides from 1966 to 1971, and became fast friends, which has continued to this day. They both agreed that the best part of their job was meeting people from all over the world. Chedd, who now lives on the East End of Long Island, noted that the 1960s were a turbulent time politically but "when people came here to Rockefeller Center it wasn't an issue for anyone -- they left their politics on the street" and came up to enjoy the magnificent view. Kuhle also finds the view "the best artwork." With the ability to walk completely around the observatory, visitors can see 360 degree views.

A great deal of thought went into the redesign, beginning with the process of purchasing tickets. Tickets can be reserved through the website TopOfTheRockNYC or by calling 877-NYC-ROCK (877-692-7625). There are also terminals onsite for ticket purchasing. The reserved-time tickets are expected to minimize long lines or large crowds.

Once on the mezzanine, three plasma-screen monitors show rotating videos about Rockefeller Center including the events that are held, a day in the life of the Rockettes and the history of the Rockefeller family's famous construction narrated by David Rockefeller.

The elevators, dubbed sky shuttles, have transparent glass ceilings which reveal the red and blue neon stripes in the elevator shaft pulsating a mini light show. The ceiling is also used as a projection surface for images of moments of history.

Visitors will also notice the cut crystal installations designed by Swarovski. Radiance is a massive crystal geode-style wall on the observatory wall. At 180 feet wide and 9 feet tall it consists of 600 custom-designed glass panels that simulate faceted crystals. Joie is a beautiful 35-foot waterfall chandelier made of 40,000 crystals. Created by German artist and designer Michael Hammers it echoes the outline of the building that is the heart of Rockefeller Center -- 30 Rock.

The Mezzanine waiting area also holds an exhibition space with the original Basswood model of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and a simulation of a building beam which visitors can walk along while looking down into a scene of the construction.

The 70th floor crowns the building and offers views of NYC without the high clear safety- shield providing a visibility of approximately 80 miles on clear days.

Most of the people enjoying the views were visitors. Some had come in the past and were noting the changes in the urban landscape. "We come back every 20 years," quipped a couple from France. And another couple from New Jersey were in for a 50th high school reunion and heard the observatory was open from a radio show. Others had just showed up and were surprised at their luck in finding the observatory decks were open.

Rockefeller Center never lacked for visitors. Now they have another reason to visit Top of the Rock.

Top of the Rock is open daily 8:30AM to midnight. The special elevator makes a final run at 11:30PM.

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