520 Fifth Avenue

520 Fifth Avenue Visiting Hours, Tickets, and New York City Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to 520 Fifth Avenue

520 Fifth Avenue is a transformative addition to Midtown Manhattan, blending New York City’s rich architectural legacy with contemporary luxury living and working environments. Rising to 1,002 feet at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 43rd Street, this supertall skyscraper reimagines the Midtown skyline, drawing inspiration from Beaux-Arts icons like Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library. Developed by Rabina and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the building features a distinctive façade of glazed terra-cotta arches, tiered setbacks, and modern materials such as aluminum and bronze, offering 100 luxury residences, 25 floors of boutique offices, and premium retail and amenity spaces. Its prime location provides unparalleled access to transportation, cultural landmarks, and Midtown’s vibrant public life (Construction Review Online; 520 Fifth Avenue Official PDF; Visit 5th Avenue NYC).

Historical Background and Construction Timeline
Architectural and Urban Significance
Visitor and Resident Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References and Further Reading

Historical Background and Construction Timeline

Site Legacy and Development

The site at 520 Fifth Avenue has long been part of Midtown’s commercial and cultural fabric, previously occupied by mid-rise office and retail buildings at 516, 518, and 520 Fifth Avenue. In 2019, Rabina took over the site’s redevelopment, partnering with KPF to create a mixed-use tower that honors Midtown’s architectural heritage while meeting modern demands. The design intentionally diverges from typical glass-and-metal towers, instead featuring terra-cotta arches and tiered forms to echo classic New York structures (Construction Review Online; 520 Fifth Avenue NYT PDF).

Construction Timeline

2017–2021: Pre-Construction and Planning
Site assembly began with earlier developers; Rabina assumed control in 2019, finalizing plans for residences, boutique offices, and retail spaces. KPF led the architectural vision, with WSP and DeSimone Consulting Engineers handling structural and façade design (Field Condition).
2022: Groundbreaking and Early Construction
Suffolk Construction began demolition and site preparation, followed by foundation work for the supertall structure.
2023–2024: Superstructure and Topping Out
The tower’s framework rose rapidly, with the final steel beam placed in late 2024 at 1,002 feet, making it the tallest residential building on Fifth Avenue and second only to the Empire State Building in the area (Field Condition; 520 Fifth Avenue NYT PDF).
2024–2025: Interior Build-Out and Amenities
Interior work included 25 boutique office floors, 100 private residences, and an 88th-floor amenity suite with a solarium, game room, and panoramic city views. Interiors by Charles & Co. emphasize elegant materials and unified luxury (Construction Review Online).
2025–2026: Completion and Occupancy
The building is slated for phased occupancy beginning late 2025, with full completion expected in 2026. Sales launched in 2024, with residences priced from $1.7 million (520 Fifth Avenue NYT PDF).

Architectural and Urban Significance

520 Fifth Avenue stands as a contemporary tribute to New York’s architectural lineage, with its arched façade and tiered setbacks referencing early 20th-century masonry buildings. The building’s strategy to blend historic ornamentation with new materials results in a “human-scaled” skyscraper that both graces and enlivens the city’s skyline (520 Fifth Avenue NYT PDF). The project’s mixed-use nature—combining luxury homes, offices, retail, and a private club—reflects the ongoing transformation of Midtown Manhattan into a round-the-clock destination for living, working, and leisure (Visit 5th Avenue NYC).

Visitor and Resident Information

Public Access and Visiting Hours

Public Spaces: The building’s retail and dining venues on the lower floors are open to the public, generally from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Specific hours may vary by tenant.
Lobby and Photography: The main lobby is accessible during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM) for viewing architecture and public art installations. Photography is permitted in public areas.
Tours: No regular public tours are offered, but limited architectural tours may be available by appointment or during special events. Check the official website for updates.

Residential and Office Leasing

Prospective residents can explore one- to four-bedroom luxury apartments with high-end amenities, while businesses have access to 25 floors of boutique office space. Inquiries are handled by the building’s official sales and leasing offices (Construction Review Online).

Accessibility and Transportation

ADA Compliance: All public spaces are fully accessible, with step-free entrances, wide corridors, accessible restrooms, and high-speed elevators.
Getting There:
- Subway: 42nd Street–Bryant Park (B, D, F, M lines), Grand Central Terminal (4, 5, 6, 7, S, Metro-North).
- Buses: Multiple routes along Fifth Avenue.
- Parking: Limited street parking; use nearby garages.
- Walking: Convenient to Bryant Park, New York Public Library, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center (New York Dearest, Sunset Travellers).

Nearby Attractions

Bryant Park: Gardens, events, and outdoor dining one block away.
New York Public Library: Historic building with exhibitions.
Grand Central Terminal: Landmark transit hub and gourmet market.
Times Square: Iconic entertainment district.
Rockefeller Center: Shopping, dining, and seasonal activities.
MoMA: Modern art museum within a 15-minute walk.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Neo-Gothic architectural gem.
Fifth Avenue Shopping: Premier retail corridor (CityRealty).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are public tours of 520 Fifth Avenue available?
A: No regular public tours are offered, but limited tours may be available by appointment or during special events.

Q: What are the visiting hours for the building?
A: Retail and dining areas are open to the public typically from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily; lobby access is available during business hours.

Q: Is the building accessible to people with disabilities?
A: Yes, 520 Fifth Avenue is fully ADA-compliant.

Q: Can I visit the residential or office floors?
A: No, these areas are private and restricted to residents, tenants, and their guests.

Q: Is photography permitted?
A: Yes, in public areas such as the lobby and exterior.

Q: What’s the best way to get to 520 Fifth Avenue?
A: The building is easily reached by subway, bus, or on foot from major Midtown landmarks.

Conclusion and Call to Action

520 Fifth Avenue stands as an architectural beacon in Midtown Manhattan, reflecting both the city’s storied past and its forward-looking spirit. With its blend of luxury residences, state-of-the-art offices, welcoming public spaces, and proximity to iconic attractions, the building offers unmatched experiences for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

To stay updated on visiting information, new amenities, and special events, visit the official website or follow the building on social media. For a deeper exploration of New York City’s architectural marvels, download the Audiala app for curated guides and exclusive content.