Science & Technology
Explore the technology and innovation that makes the Empire State Building one of today's most advanced skyscrapers.
Education Center
Educational pdfs
Engineering
When looking for groundbreaking engineering challenges, the Empire State Building shines as a global icon of human design. This program will teach the significance of how simple machines, laws of force, and carefully selected materials created this New York City landmark.
Art Educations
Discover the beauty and power of the iconic Empire State Building by looking at the skyscraper's visual impact through an artistic lens. Students will learn Visual Thinking Strategies, concepts of perspective, and how to examine photography.
Mathematics
Students will learn about some of the large numbers that exist within the walls of the Empire State Building – from floor counts to staircases, and understand how to use these metrics in everyday problem solving.
Social Studies
Students will learn about the construction of the Empire State Building and the extraordinary teamwork of those who helped make it possible.
More Resources & Activities
Explore additional information and materials for both teachers and students, including activities to enrich your visit to the Empire State Building.
Science & Technology
Explore the technology and innovation that makes the Empire State Building one of today's most advanced skyscrapers.
Engineering
When looking for groundbreaking engineering challenges, the Empire State Building shines as a global icon of human design. This program will teach the significance of how simple machines, laws of force, and carefully selected materials created this New York City landmark.
Art Educations
Discover the beauty and power of the iconic Empire State Building by looking at the skyscraper's visual impact through an artistic lens. Students will learn Visual Thinking Strategies, concepts of perspective, and how to examine photography.
Mathematics
Students will learn about some of the large numbers that exist within the walls of the Empire State Building – from floor counts to staircases, and understand how to use these metrics in everyday problem solving.
Social Studies
Students will learn about the construction of the Empire State Building and the extraordinary teamwork of those who helped make it possible.
More Resources & Activities
Explore additional information and materials for both teachers and students, including activities to enrich your visit to the Empire State Building.
FAQ: Empire State Building Education Center
Yes, the Empire State Building Education Center's lesson plans and classroom activities are all free to download. There is no account to create and no visit required to use them. Teachers can work through the free STEAM course materials before a trip, during the visit, or afterwards back in the classroom.
Yes, eligible New York City public and charter schools can request a complimentary Empire State Building Observation Deck visit for a group of up to 50 guests. Reservations run first-come, first-served through the school trip request form, so apply early for a free field trip. NYC classrooms are limited to one reservation per available date. Submitting a request does not guarantee a date.
Yes, Empire State Building school groups of 20 guests or more receive preferred pricing on tickets. NYC Title 1 schools receive additional preferred pricing on select dates and times. Contact the Observation Deck sales team for current rates and availability.
Every Empire State Building visit for a school trip includes the interactive museum and the 86th Floor Observation Deck, 1,050 feet above Midtown Manhattan. The museum holds nine galleries covering the building's iconic history. At the Empire State Building, kids who studied the engineering unit stand inside the World's Most Famous Building instead of looking at a diagram of it.
Yes, the Empire State Building lesson plans follow New York State Learning Standards for STEAM and social studies. They were developed with Bank Street College of Education for the Empire State Building. For students in grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, each subject comes in its own version.
Yes. Certain items are not permitted inside the Empire State Building and should not be brought to the security screening area. Any prohibited items may be confiscated and will not be returned. This list is not exhaustive—if you are unsure about an item, please do not bring it or ask a Security Officer on-site.
Prohibited items include:
• All weapons, including firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, scissors, mace, any dangerous items, and any dual-use items that could be dangerous are strictly prohibited in the Empire State Building.
• Glass items (bottles, glasses, marbles, etc.)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cans, bottles, flasks, or similar containers (must be discarded before or at security)
• Professional camera equipment and stands (tripods, monopods, bipods)
• Sports equipment (e.g., skateboards, roller skates, bats, balls, golf clubs, hockey sticks)
• Marking instruments such as spray paint or markers
• Musical instruments
• Large bags, suitcases, carry-on luggage, or oversized packages
• Costumes and masks (except for PPE)
• Outside food and beverages
Please note: There are no locker or storage facilities available on-site for personal belongings.