June 18, 2024

New York, United States

A 270-foot-long dragon has landed in the center of New York City – atop the iconic Empire State Building (ESB). In partnership with Max, ESB has acknowledged that Vhagar the Dragon has coiled herself around its mast just as ESB and Max cap off their weeklong “House of the Dragon” takeover.

The best views of Vhagar are in Manhattan from the south of ESB, and unique selfie moments are available from ESB itself where she scans for prey with her huge head extended over the southern deck of ESB’s 86th Floor Observatory. ESB’s lights have been set so fans can witness a series of dynamic light shows which feature the dragon against schemes of gold, green, and red.

“Just after the Empire State Building pledged its allegiance to the King, Vhagar descended upon the heart of New York City and has claimed the mast of the ‘World’s Most Famous Building’ as her perch,” said ESRT Chairman and CEO Tony Malkin. “Citizens of Westeros can now sit in the Iron Throne at the Observatory’s grand staircase and then rise to the 86th Floor to face the colossal beast up close as they take in the unmatched, 360-degree views from our world-famous Observatory – Tripadvisor’s #1 attraction in the United States.”

Affixed by more than 153 rigging points, Vhagar is made up of 1,700 total patterns and 600,000 inches of sewn seams. The giant dragon was created in partnership with creative agency Giant Spoon and fabricated by Bigger Than Life Advertising Inc. The company’s President Mark Bachman was a manager on the Empire State Building’s King Kong installation in 1983.

The “House of the Dragon” takeover included a photo opportunity with the iconic Iron Throne, a visit from the “House of the Dragon” cast, and an interactive photo booth on the 80th Floor. This partnership with Max is just one of several recent events at the Empire State Building which have garnered global attention, which include partnerships with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 x WhatsApp, Outward Bound, and “Star Wars.”

The Empire State Building Observatory recently underwent a $165 million reimagination that included the addition of a dedicated visitor entrance, an immersive museum with nine galleries, brand-new, bespoke Observatory Host uniforms, and a new 102nd Floor Observatory with unmatched views. The reimagined Observatory Experience has been voted the #1 attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best for two consecutive years.

Tickets to see the dragon at the Empire State Building Observatory can be purchased here. Text CONNECT to 274-16 to receive real-time information about the Empire State Building’s tower lights.