NYC Mayor Opens Dinkins Building Cupola for Free Public Tours

The tallest tower of the historic David N. Dinkins Municipal Building will offer panoramic views of the city starting this summer.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 12:31am

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei announced that the public will be able to book free tours of the cupola atop the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building starting in June. A $6 million renovation project has repaired the historic cupola and made the space safe and accessible for visitors to enjoy sweeping views of the city's skyline.

Why it matters

Opening the cupola of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building to the public for the first time builds on Mayor Mamdani's efforts to increase access to the city's public spaces and landmarks. The building is named after New York's first Black mayor, and providing this unique vantage point aligns with the administration's goal of making government more inclusive and welcoming to all New Yorkers.

The details

The free public tours will depart from the NYC CityStore in the base of the building, with groups of up to six people led by DCAS staff. The $6 million renovation project repaired the historic cupola, installed glass barriers for safety, and renovated the rotunda landing to make the space inviting to visitors.

  • The public tours will begin in June 2026.
  • The David N. Dinkins Municipal Building was constructed between 1909 and 1914.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City.

Yume Kitasei

The Commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).

David N. Dinkins

The first Black mayor of New York City, who the municipal building is named after.

Mark Levine

The New York City Comptroller.

Jumaane D. Williams

The New York City Public Advocate.

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What they’re saying

“From the tower of 1 Centre Street-also known as the David Dinkins Municipal Building-the 'gorgeous mosaic' that Mayor Dinkins spoke of reveals itself in its totality. As we celebrate Mayor Dinkins' legacy, we're making that unique view available to the people of New York City.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Mirage News)

“The work that happens inside the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building is for the benefit of New Yorkers - and soon, the building itself will be, too. With these renovations and access, we will make a truly one-of-a-kind space available for the public to enjoy.”

— Julia Kerson, Deputy Mayor for Operations (Mirage News)

“It shouldn't be just the wealthy who enjoy the inspiration of an observation deck. New Yorkers should have an opportunity to look down upon the city they love.”

— Mark Levine, New York City Comptroller (Mirage News)

“New York's history, like its government, should be for the people. I'm so glad that the mayor sees the importance of bringing the public into this space to see our incredible city.”

— Jumaane D. Williams, New York City Public Advocate (Mirage News)

“Stanford White would be proud today to see his firm's civic masterwork at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building finally getting its due, 113 years after its completion. By opening the cupola at 1 Centre Street to the public, I hope generations of New Yorkers will be inspired by this stunning limestone landmark and its remarkable views, along with the possibility that government can do great things.”

— Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President (Mirage News)

What’s next

The public tours of the Dinkins Building cupola will begin in June 2026, with tickets available through an online portal.

The takeaway

This initiative by the Mamdani administration demonstrates a commitment to making New York City's iconic landmarks and public spaces more accessible to all residents, not just the wealthy. By opening the Dinkins Building's cupola, the city is providing a unique opportunity for New Yorkers to experience their city from a new perspective and connect with its history and government.