What is Reflect

The Reflect section at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt consists of the Clouds exhibit by famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. This sculptural floor-based installation of reflective cloud-like forms invites quiet exploration and surreal reflection. The stainless-steel forms are placed next to large floor-to-ceiling windows that create a poetic pause above Manhattan, where art and skyline blur into one.

Why it’s a must-do at SUMMIT

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Discover a Yayoi Kusama installation

Most visitors don’t realize they’ve entered a sculpture room by Yayoi Kusama, one of the most influential contemporary artists in the world. Her work has appeared in top museums globally, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and Tate Modern in London, and regularly draws hours-long lines.

Find calm in the chaos

While SUMMIT is full of high-energy experiences, Reflect offers a meditative, slow-motion counterpoint, one that invites introspection and silence. It’s a rare moment to simply breathe, observe, and feel fully present high above the bustling city.

Walk through a living art piece

While the clouds on the floor are static, the experience that Reflect provides isn’t. It moves with you. Light shifts, footsteps echo, and your reflection dances across cloud surfaces in every direction.

A space that moves you

You might find yourself pausing mid-step, overcome by the sheer beauty of the space. It’s not just something you see, it’s something you feel. The reflections, light, and silence combine to create an emotional experience that stays with you long after you leave.

What to expect

After experiencing Levitation, you enter Reflect, where the journey leads you into the Clouds room, Yayoi Kusama’s mesmerizing sculpture space.

REFLECT Summit One Vanderbilt in New York

The Clouds room features nearly 100 mirror-finished stainless-steel forms scattered across the floor, inviting you to crouch and explore different perspectives.

Father and daughter exploring Summit One Vanderbilt Reflect exhibit in New York City.

Surrounding windows and ambient lighting create endless reflections that blur the line between sculpture, space, and sky.

Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck with panoramic views of New York City skyline.

After Clouds, you continue onward to Unity, where you become part of the interactive experience when your face takes shape in massive digital clouds.

Insider tips on how to experience Reflect like a pro

Explore Clouds from a low angle: Get down on one knee to see the sculptures merging with the skyline. This is Kusama’s intended view.
Visit mid‑afternoon: Natural light enhances mirror effects, so afternoons are a great time to see this exhibit.
Wear solids or bold hues: These colors stand out vividly in the mirrored environment, helping you pop against the reflective surfaces for pictures instead of blending into the intricate patterns.
Move slowly: Reflections shift with your steps, so take your time walking past the sculptures.
Go solo or spread out: Fewer people mean better reflective focus, for you and your photos.
Do not touch the sculptures: The delicate stainless-steel forms are designed to maintain their reflective brilliance. Please observe without touching to keep the art pristine.

Frequently asked questions about the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Reflect experience

Where exactly is Reflect located within SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

Reflect is located on the 91st floor of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, just after Levitation and before Unity.

Is the Clouds exhibit part of the general admission ticket?

Yes, access to Reflect and the Clouds installation by Yayoi Kusama is included with all general admission tickets to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Can I take photos or videos inside Reflect?

Absolutely. Photography is encouraged at SUMMIT. Just remember to be respectful of other visitors and avoid flash to preserve the reflective environment.

Are there any safety rules for walking around the sculptures?

Yes, for safety and preservation, you should not touch the sculptures, walk slowly, and avoid stepping on or between the mirrored forms.

Is Reflect wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire SUMMIT experience, including Reflect and the Clouds room, is fully wheelchair accessible with smooth, open walkways around the sculptures.

How long should I spend in Reflect?

While the pace is self-guided, expect to spend about 10–15 mins here. It’s designed to encourage slowing down, so take your time.

Can children explore the exhibit?

Yes, children are welcome in Reflect, but parents should ensure they don’t touch or climb on the sculptures, as the forms are delicate art pieces.