One Times Square

Overview

One Times Square, a quintessential symbol of New York City's vibrant energy, stands proudly at the southern end of Times Square, located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Broadway in Midtown Manhattan. Constructed in 1904, this iconic skyscraper originally served as the headquarters for The New York Times newspaper.

Today, it's globally recognized for its dazzling exterior, almost entirely covered by monumental digital advertising billboards. These spectacular displays make One Times Square one of the world's most valuable advertising locations. The building also serves as the focal point for the world-famous New Year's Eve Ball Drop, an event that draws millions of eyes to Times Square annually.

Following a significant redevelopment completed in 2025, the interior of One Times Square has opened its doors to the public, offering an immersive museum experience and a state-of-the-art viewing deck, providing unprecedented access to this landmark.

History & Cultural Background

The history of One Times Square is deeply woven into the fabric of New York City's development. Completed in 1904, the Neo-Gothic design by architect Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz was, upon its opening, the second-tallest structure in the city. Its construction prompted a monumental shift for the area previously known as Longacre Square.

Adolph Ochs, owner of The New York Times, was instrumental in this transformation. By moving his newspaper's headquarters here, he successfully lobbied the city to rename Longacre Square to 'Times Square' in 1904, forever linking the area's identity to the publication. To celebrate their new home and usher in 1905, The New York Times hosted a grand New Year's Eve event, featuring fireworks from the rooftop, attracting 200,000 spectators.

Safety concerns led to a municipal ban on fireworks. In response, Ochs introduced the legendary New Year's Eve Ball Drop tradition in 1907, inspired by maritime time balls. Despite its pivotal role in naming the square, The New York Times relocated by 1913, less than a decade after moving in. Over time, the building's original facade was significantly altered to accommodate larger advertising displays. The 'zipper' news ticker, a significant technological addition, was installed at its base in 1928, providing continuous news updates.

What Makes It Special

One Times Square holds a truly unique position among global landmarks. Its most celebrated feature is its role as the stage for the New Year's Eve Ball Drop, an annual spectacle that captivates a worldwide audience and remains a cornerstone of New Year's celebrations.

Visually, the building is defined by its colossal digital billboards, transforming its exterior into a canvas for prominent brands. These 'spectaculars' generate substantial revenue, establishing One Times Square as one of the planet's most valuable advertising locations. For many years, this profitability meant the building's interior remained largely unoccupied.

The recent $500 million redevelopment, concluding in 2025, has opened a new chapter. It now offers public access to an immersive museum and a breathtaking viewing deck, allowing visitors direct engagement with its history and the vibrant Times Square atmosphere. This blend of historical landmark and cutting-edge visitor experience truly sets it apart.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• The area was originally known as Longacre Square, a name that paid homage to London's historic carriage district.
• The inaugural New Year's Eve event in 1904, featuring rooftop fireworks, attracted an estimated 200,000 revelers.
• The cherished Ball Drop tradition, starting in 1907, was conceived after fireworks were banned and was inspired by time balls used to synchronize clocks.
• In 1966, the building's address officially changed from 1475 Broadway to the more iconic 1 Times Square.
• The famous 'zipper' news ticker, first introduced in 1928, has seen various periods of operation and dormancy throughout its history.
• The building recently underwent a major $500 million renovation to convert much of its interior into a modern visitor attraction.
• The new public viewing deck, located on the 19th floor, includes a thrilling glass walkway, the 'Skywalk,' offering a unique look down onto Broadway and close-up views of the New Year's Eve Ball.

Visitor Perspective

For travelers exploring New York City, One Times Square now provides an unprecedented opportunity to immerse oneself in the spectacle of Times Square. Since its highly anticipated public opening in 2025, guests can journey through a multi-floor museum and ascend to a magnificent 360-degree viewing deck. The experience often begins with a glass elevator ride, offering captivating views even before reaching the main observation levels.

The viewing deck offers unparalleled panoramic perspectives, particularly enchanting at night when the neon signs illuminate the square with breathtaking intensity. Within the museum, visitors can uncover the comprehensive history of the building and the intricate narrative behind the beloved New Year's Eve Ball Drop. An exciting highlight is the chance to see the beautifully updated Ball, adorned with over 5,000 Waterford crystals, up close any time of year.

To ensure a seamless visit, it is strongly recommended to purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance. This revitalized landmark offers a truly intimate and dynamic way to connect with one of the world's most celebrated urban spaces.