You’ve seen the photos. Hundreds of silver orbs floating in a glass box high above Manhattan, reflecting the Empire State Building in a way that looks almost fake. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder if it’s just another "Instagram trap" or if there’s actually something deeper going on.
Honestly, the summit one vanderbilt balloons—officially part of an installation called Affinity—are probably the most misunderstood part of the New York City skyline right now.
People call them balloons. They aren't exactly balloons in the "party store" sense. They are heavy-duty, silver-coated spheres designed by artist Kenzo Digital to act as a physical manifestation of the air itself. When you step into that room on the 91st floor, the first thing that hits you isn't the view. It’s the movement.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Affinity Room
The room is a total sensory overload. It’s part of a larger three-level art experience called Air. While the rest of the building focuses on mirrors and glass floors that make your stomach drop, Affinity is weirdly playful.
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There are high-powered fans hidden in the floor vents. These keep the silver spheres in constant motion. You aren’t just looking at art; you’re basically in a giant, high-altitude ball pit. But instead of primary-colored plastic, you’re surrounded by reflective silver that mimics the clouds outside.
It’s Not Just for the ‘Gram
Look, I get it. Most people go there to get that one specific shot for their feed. But if you actually stop moving for a second, the physics of the space is kinda wild.
Because the entire room—floor, ceiling, walls—is mirrored, the balloons seem to multiply into infinity. You lose track of where the floor ends and the sky begins. It’s meant to be disorienting. Kenzo Digital, the mastermind behind the project, wanted to create a "shared consciousness." Basically, he wanted to see if he could make a bunch of cynical New Yorkers and exhausted tourists act like kids again.
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It works. You’ll see businessmen in three-piece suits batting these silver spheres at each other. It’s rare to find a place in Midtown where people actually drop their guard.
The Logistics: What You Actually Need to Know
If you’re planning to visit the summit one vanderbilt balloons, don’t just show up and hope for the best. This place is a machine.
- The Sunglasses Rule: This isn't a joke. On a sunny day, the reflection off the silver balloons and the mirrored floors is blinding. The staff actually hands out free sunglasses if you forget yours, but bring your own if you want to look decent in photos.
- The Dress Code: This is the big one. Since the floors are mirrors, anyone wearing a skirt or a dress is going to have a very awkward time. Wear pants. Or leggings. Trust me on this.
- The Shoes: No stilettos. No work boots. They give you these little black medical-style booties to wear over your shoes so you don't scratch the glass. They aren't fashionable, but they're mandatory.
Timing Your Visit
Most people fight for sunset tickets. It’s beautiful, sure. The balloons turn gold and orange as the sun hits them. But it’s also the most crowded time.
If you want to actually move without getting a silver orb to the face, go at 9:00 AM on a Tuesday. The light is crisp, the city looks sharp, and you can actually hear the soundscape—which, fun fact, includes frequencies designed to "balance human energy." It sounds like high-tech wind chimes.
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Common Misconceptions About the Installation
People think these balloons are filled with helium. They aren't. If they were, they’d all be stuck to the ceiling and the exhibit would be over in ten minutes. They are filled with regular air. The "floating" effect is entirely controlled by the air currents created by those floor fans.
Another thing? People think they’re fragile. They’re actually pretty durable, though you’ll occasionally see a "wounded" one that’s lost its air. The staff cycles them out constantly to keep the room looking full.
Is It Worth the Price?
Tickets aren't cheap. You’re looking at $40 to $50 minimum. If you’re just going for a view, go to the Empire State Building. If you’re going for a "vibe" and a legitimate art experience that feels like you’ve stepped into a sci-fi movie, then yeah, it’s worth it.
The summit one vanderbilt balloons are the "main event" for a reason. They take a standard observation deck experience—which can be kinda boring after twenty minutes—and turn it into something interactive.
Final Insights for Your Visit
When you finally get into the Affinity room, don't just stand by the door. Most people crowd the entrance. Walk all the way to the far corner near the windows facing north. You get a better angle of the balloons against the backdrop of Central Park, and there's usually a bit more breathing room.
What to do next:
Check the weather forecast for Manhattan. If it’s a "broken clouds" day, book your slot immediately. The way the shadows of the clouds move through the room while you’re tossing those silver spheres around is something you can't replicate on a perfectly clear day. Also, make sure your phone has at least 50% battery; the cold air at that altitude and the constant photo-taking kills phone life faster than you’d think.