Lights, Legends, and the Skyline: Artists Who Took Over the Empire State Building
By Amanda Moses
The Empire State Building has long stood as more than just an architectural landmark serving as a cultural stage where global icons and everyday visitors intersect.
This year alone, the Midtown skyscraper has become a high-profile destination, hosting appearances from figures such as actor Kurt Russell and K-pop superstar Jin, while continuing to draw tourists eager to take in its iconic view of New York City. For the fourth consecutive year, the Empire State Building has been named the No. 1 Top Attraction in New York City in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, underscoring its lasting appeal across generations and cultures.
Beyond the accolades, however, it’s the moments created there that define its legacy.
The observatory has hosted a range of cultural and advocacy events, including the Pussycat Dolls’ announcement of their long-awaited world tour. Actress Elizabeth Hurley illuminated the skyline to raise awareness of breast cancer, while TV personality Whitney Port raised awareness for infertility during National Infertility Awareness Week in partnership with Progyny and RESOLVE.
It has also become a destination for both music artists and fans. Performers including Kali Uchis, the Jonas Brothers, Stray Kids, and RIIZE have all appeared against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, creating memorable fan interactions high above the city.
Known as the “World’s Most Famous Building,” the Empire State Building, owned by Empire State Realty Trust, soars 1,454 feet above New York City from base to antenna. Its Observatory Experience, including immersive galleries and a reimagined 102nd-floor deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, continues to attract visitors year-round.
From its storied past to its evolving role in pop culture, the Empire State Building remains a place where moments are made and shared. Whether you’re a global superstar or a first-time visitor, it consistently delivers both a story and a view worth remembering.
Photos by Amanda Moses