As a lifelong New Yorker, it’s easy to slip into the rhythm of the city and forget to look up—to take in the skyline, the stories, and the sheer wonder that drew people here in the first place. Spending the day at RiseNY changed that for me. It gave me a new appreciation for the city I’ve called home my entire life.

The experience unfolds in three parts, each designed to remind you why New York is unlike anywhere else in the world. It begins with a short film narrated by Jeff Goldblum, charting the city’s cultural pulse through music, art, fashion, film, and more. From there, you wander through seven immersive museum-style galleries, each filled with interactive exhibits that trace New York’s impact on global culture. And then comes the grand finale: a breathtaking flight simulation over the skyline, where you soar above the Statue of Liberty, glide down Fifth Avenue, and sweep past the twinkling lights of Times Square. Even after years of living here, I found myself seeing the city with fresh eyes.
The RiseNY experience dives deep into what makes New York so special, spotlighting industries that have defined culture worldwide, from fashion and music to architecture, diversity, film, and television. Along the way, you discover the icons who spearheaded each movement and the inventions that kept the city at the forefront of innovation. What’s great is that the journey is completely flexible—you can breeze through quickly to fit a packed schedule or take your time for a leisurely, immersive day off. Personally, the television section was my favorite. As a huge Friends and Sex and the City fan, seeing those touchpoints filled me with nostalgia, and stepping onto The Honeymooners set threw me even further back—I was absolutely over the moon.