![Empire State Building, New York](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Ftravelnews%2Fshutterstock_139761958.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Quickly now, how many movies can you think of with the Empire State Building in them Sleepless in Seattle is the first one that comes to our mind. There are many more. But we won't spoil the fun. Why are we asking you this
Because, in an effort to boost spirits and bring some joy into our lives, the Empire State Building has collaborated with Disney and Vudu to create a series of virtual movie nights, with films that will feature the iconic Big Apple structure.
&ldquoThis summer, we connect with our fans, visitors, and moviegoers alike and bring the Empire State Building right to their homes&rdquo said Jean-Yves Ghazi, President of the Empire State Building Observatory, in a recent statement. He is hopeful that people would enjoy 'The World&rsquos Most Famous Building' via the classic films. And know that the building, and its brand new observatory, will always be there for everyone to experience in real-time.
The Empire State Building reopened its observatory, located on the 86th and 102nd floor, to the general public from July 20. Only New Yorkers are allowed inside the premises right now.
Every Thursday in the month of August, 100 lucky winners will get an opportunity to watch the free screening of a movie which features the Empire State Building from their homes. The event has already started (from July 30) with the rather jingoistic film Independence Day.
To participate in this event, follow their Instagram handle. Every Friday they open the contest and one hundred people are gifted with codes to screen the movie for free on Vudu. To win a gift code, a person has to &lsquolike&rsquo the giveaway post, and post a comment tagging another friend for additional entries. Winners are chosen on Tuesdays and codes are sent out on Thursday mornings. Out of the hundred lucky viewers, five people receive a special movie pack comprising popcorn and candies, and ESB branded swag (of course, those residing in the US). One grand prize winner receives the code, a movie pack and a pair of tickets to visit the Empire State Building once it reopens.
Some days back, for the first time in history, the Empire State Building witnessed a rejuvenating exhibition of fireworks from the 72nd and 103rd floors, and the 86th floor observation deck. This was done in the light of the 4th of July celebrations with Macy&rsquos.
As of now, the US is one of the worst hit countries amidst this COVID-19 pandemic with more than 4.9 million cases and a death toll of 1,60,977 and counting.