Mercer Labs opened in 2024 at the base of One Vanderbilt, the Midtown East skyscraper that hosts SUMMIT on its top floors. The 15 themed rooms each focus on a different intersection of art and technology — large-scale projections, mirrored installations, sound-reactive environments, and a finale room that uses the building's own structure as a canvas. Designed by digital artist Roy Nachum. Currently available primarily as a SUMMIT + Mercer Labs bundle — a strong same-building pairing.
Mercer Labs Museum of Art & Technology opened in 2024 at the base of One Vanderbilt — the same Midtown East tower that hosts SUMMIT on its observation floors. Designed by Israeli-American digital artist Roy Nachum (best known for design work spanning music, technology, and large-scale installations), the 15 themed rooms span 50,000 square feet of art-technology hybrid installations.
The experience moves visitors through a sequence of rooms each built around a different intersection of art and tech — large-scale projection mapping, mirrored infinity environments, sound-reactive surfaces, motion-tracking installations, and a finale that uses the structural geometry of the building itself as a projection canvas. The aesthetic is more architectural than playful — closer to a contemporary art commission than a photo-museum like Color Factory.
Mercer Labs is currently available primarily as a combined ticket with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt — a same-building pairing that makes geographic sense (both experiences are accessible from the same lobby; the combination keeps you in the building for several hours). Standalone Mercer Labs tickets exist but the combination is the recommended pattern for visitors doing either.
Plan 90 minutes to 2 hours for Mercer Labs alone. Add SUMMIT's 2-3 hours for the combined experience. The combination is the most-time-intensive single-building NYC attraction visit and rewards visitors who care about experience design more than checking off iconic sites.
What to expect
The experience
Timed-entry. Self-paced through 15 themed rooms. Photography encouraged in most spaces.
Best time
Weekday afternoons. Evenings get the SUMMIT crossover crowd.
How long
90 min - 2 hours for Mercer Labs. 4-5 hours combined with SUMMIT.
Tips
The current ticket is primarily a SUMMIT + Mercer Labs bundle — the combined experience is the intended way to visit. Plan the combination for at least half a day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Design and art-tech enthusiasts. Visitors already planning SUMMIT.
- Families
- Older kids and teens. Some installations may be intense for younger kids.
- Couples
- Combined with SUMMIT's terraces, one of NYC's stronger half-day date itineraries.
- Pair with
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (same building, same ticket bundle). Grand Central Terminal is across the street.
- Time needed
- Half-day combined with SUMMIT.
Good questions
Is Mercer Labs available as a standalone ticket?+
It is mainly sold as a combined SUMMIT + Mercer Labs ticket — the same-building combination is the recommended pattern. Standalone tickets exist via the venue's own website but the combined ticket is the better value for most visitors.
How does it relate to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?+
Mercer Labs is at the base of the building; SUMMIT is at the top. Both are accessible from the same lobby. The combined ticket keeps you in the building for 4-5 hours of experience.
Who designed it?+
Digital artist Roy Nachum, with collaborators. The aesthetic leans architectural — more contemporary art commission than photo museum.
How long should I plan?+
90 minutes to 2 hours for Mercer Labs alone. 4-5 hours for the SUMMIT combination.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Yes, the immersive rooms suit most ages, though loud sound and flashing lights can be a lot for very young or sensitive children.
