New in Civic Center, NYC: Centre 360 Opens the Dinkins Building Cupola for Free 360° Views

The cupola of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street, in Lower Manhattan, is now open to the public as Centre 360. Run by the city's Department of Citywide Administrative Services, it is the first time the view has been available to visitors since 1914. Admission is free.

Each visit takes eight guests and lasts about 15 minutes, including the ascent. Groups check in at the CityStore on Centre Street, show photo ID to building security and hear a short welcome. An elevator then goes to the 24th floor, where visitors transfer to the tower elevator up to the cupola. The balcony sits roughly 580 feet above the street, and it is the only place where a visitor can stand directly beneath the gilded Civic Fame statue.

The balcony lets you walk a full circle. North brings Midtown and the Empire State Building; east, the East River with the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges; south, the harbor; west, the courthouses, City Hall and the Hudson. A phone-based Landmark Hunt helps you pick out the sights.

Visits run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., departing hourly on the hour. The cupola is closed weekends. Reservations are free and parties are limited to five. Bring photo ID and wear closed-toe shoes. Children under 18 must be with an adult and stand at least 42 inches tall. Tripods and drones are not allowed, and access depends on the weather. The 4, 5, 6, J, Z, R and W trains stop nearby at Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall.