The company behind the former Discovery Times Square exhibition space is set to open a major new attraction at the Bowtie Building at 160 West 45th Street.
RiseNY will be the city’s first-ever flight simulation ride, strapping visitors into a 46-seat soaring ride that simulates a birds-eye flight over the Big Apple.
Once on board and lifted 30 feet into the air, guests will hang suspended, their feet dangling as they glide over the city’s iconic skyline and landmarks while inside a 180-degree, 40-foot projection dome featuring aerial footage that creates the sensation of flight.
“I was inspired after riding ‘Soarin’ Over California’ in Disneyland with my son, and always thought, wouldn’t it be amazing to fly over and around NYC?” said James Sanna, president and CEO of Running Subway, which has developed the ride. “Now, over a decade later, we’ve been able to tap into the latest technology and advancements to create an experience unique to the city I love.”
The experience has full motion seats that dip that turn and soar, while wind, mist and scents are pumped into the theater to make it feel real. It will run to a soundtrack headlined by Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York” and Frank Sinatra’s “Theme From New York.”
RiseNY has been created and produced by Running Subway, a New York-based entertainment production company, in partnership with several cultural institutions, Broadway shows and individuals that serve as co-curators of their respective exhibit galleries. They include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Museum of American Finance, Museum of Broadcast Communications & Radio Hall of Fame, Museum at FIT, Skyscraper Museum, Tribeca Festival, and David Bushman, former head curator at The Paley Center. RiseNY will donate a portion of proceeds from ticket sales to each of the partner institutions.
Seven distinctly themed galleries will also feature historic artifacts, star-studded memorabilia an, fun and educational displays.
Highlights include Madonna’s custom Keith Haring jacket, Springsteen’s original guitar that he used to write “Born To Run,” and a statue of Alexander Hamilton commissioned by his son. Also featured are original costumes and props from iconic TV shows in history, Beyonce’s Bill Blass designed gown and much more.
“RiseNY is a unique and exhilarating attraction at the heart of New York City,” said Ric Burns. “It’s an incredible love letter to the world’s greatest city and encapsulates the beating heart, and hub, and dazzling point of convergence that is New York. We’ve been thrilled to have a small part in this adventure, which promises to put a smile on the face of everyone who sails through.”
“New York City’s newest attraction is opening as the city is rebounding from the pandemic in an extraordinary way,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO, NYC & Company. “RiseNY will help the city soar to new heights, and we encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to visit this groundbreaking and exciting new experience celebrating NYC.”
“Introducing a major project like this during unsteady times has been quite a challenge, but we’re very grateful to the participating museums and our partners who helped bring this project to life,” said Sanna. “Thank you to our flying theatre manufacturer Brogent Technologies, Ric Burns’ Steeplechase Films, real estate developer Bow Tie Partners, our ticketing partner ShowClix, JRM Construction Management, and Gotta Have It Collectibles. This wouldn’t be possible without their continued collaboration and support.”
RiseNY will open December 17 and will be open every day except Tuesdays. Tickets start at $24.00.
