New Public Observation Deck Opens at Manhattan's Municipal Building
For the first time, the public can access the colonnaded cupola of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, located at 1 Centre Street in New York City. This circular observation deck provides stunning panoramic views. The summer completion of a $6 million restoration project included repairs to the cupola’s roof, stonework, Guastavino tiles, and the addition of new glass safety barriers. Designed by McKim, Mead & White in the 1910s, the building showcases sculptures by Adolph Alexander Weinman, including the gilded statue of Civic Fame at the top. Although the model for Civic Fame was Hettie Anderson, the first Black supermodel, current wall labels mistakenly identify her as Audrey Munson. Access to the observation deck is available through guided tours, limited to five individuals, with reservations released on the first of each month.
Key facts
- The David N. Dinkins Municipal Building opened its colonnaded cupola as a public observation deck for the first time in July 2026.
- The observation deck is free of charge and offers views from over 40 storeys above the street.
- The $6 million restoration project repaired the cupola roof, stonework, Guastavino tiles, and added glass safety barriers.
- The building was designed by McKim, Mead & White in the 1910s.
- Sculptures by Adolph Alexander Weinman adorn the building, including the gilded statue Civic Fame.
- Civic Fame was modeled after Hettie Anderson, the country's first Black supermodel, not Audrey Munson as currently labeled.
- The building was renamed in 2015 after former mayor David N. Dinkins.
- Guided tours are limited to five people at a time, with reservations released on the first of each month.
Entities
Artists
- Adolph Alexander Weinman
- Hettie Anderson
- Audrey Munson
- Augustus Saint-Gaudens
- David N. Dinkins
Institutions
- McKim, Mead & White
- New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services
- Guastavino dynasty
Locations
- New York City
- Manhattan
- 1 Centre Street
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Plaza Hotel
- South Carolina
- United States