A new “thrilling” attraction has just opened near Times Square in New York City. Different from other entertainment-oriented exhibits, the new RiseNY journey has an educational and historical trajectory as well as a soaring ride to show off the “greatest city in the world.”
Fashion © Meryl Pearlstein
Designed and produced by Running Subway, the folks behind Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, the Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibit and Pompeii: The Exhibit, RiseNY is a love letter to New York. Starting with a short film by documentarian Ric Burns, your experience takes off from a re-creation of Manhattan’s original subway station. From there, you’ll meander through seven galleries labelled Finance, Skyline, TV/Radio, Fashion, Music, Broadway and Film before making your way to another train of sorts, an aerial 4D ride complete with the sights, smells and feels of the city.
Finance © Meryl Pearlstein
All ages will appreciate the vastness and importance of the city with the exhibits. Each room combines artifacts of importance with “Tipping Points,” milestone moments in the development of New York City. The galleries were curated with the aid of many important institutions and VIPs including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Museum of American Finance, the Museum of Broadcast Communications & Radio Hall of Fame, Museum at FIT, Skyscraper Museum, TriBeCa Film Festival and David Bushman of the Paley Center.
TV/Radio © Meryl Pearlstein
My particular favorites are Ringo Starr’s drum set in the Beatles exhibit with Ed Sullivan announcing the band’s appearance on his Sunday night TV show to the sounds of millions of screaming fans, the costumes worn by NYC icons The Village People, and a guitar from Bob Dylan.
Music © Meryl Pearlstein
Movie fans have a delight waiting for them in the cinema area. On a continuous loop, giant screens play NYC-set movies through the ages. Home Alone, Midnight Cowboy, Elf, and more will keep you entertained for a solid half hour.
Broadway © Meryl Pearlstein
Next door, scenes and costumes from four of Broadway’s longest-playing musicals, Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Hamilton and Chicago are also on continuous showing.
Music © Meryl Pearlstein
Photo stops are frequent. You can pose in front of Cardi B’s costume, Biggy’s oversized shirt, posters from CBGB, in front of the set of The Honeymooners and the by the bell of the NY Stock Exchange.
Flying over the Empire State Building © Meryl Pearlstein
Plan to spend a couple of hours perusing the exhibits before you reach your final destination: New Year’s Eve in New York City. To celebrate, you’re invited into a special room for a soaring flight-simulation ride through the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn where you’ll take in the glorious sights and sounds from a birds eye view. Be sure to look all around you as the video was shot in real-time and it immerses you in the feeling and activity of the city. But, don’t be concerned if you’re afraid to fly. You’re buckled into seats inside a 180-degree, 40-foot dome that projects 8k aerial footage that creates a sensation of flight. As with any good theme-park ride, the seats lift up into the air and tilt and you’ll sit with your feet dangling as you “fly.”