During the past four months, though the observation decks have been closed, the Empire State Building has used its iconic exterior lights to stand in solidarity with those fighting on the frontlines against the virus.

From nightly light shows that pulse to imitate a heartbeat to its participation in the international #HeroesShineBright campaign honoring first responders, the Empire State Building has been a beacon of light during the city’s dark days. Fireworks were also shot off from the top of the skyscraper in celebration of the Fourth of July this year—as the city celebrated the holiday in new ways in an attempt to minimize the gathering of large crowds.

“New York City is not open unless the Empire State Building Observatory is open,” Jean-Yves Ghazi, the Empire State Building observatory president, tells Newsweek.

In recent years, the Empire State Building has undergone $165 million worth of renovations, some not completed until December 2019. Talks for the renovation began about five years ago after conducting surveys to visitors about their experience at the Empire State Building. The changes that were then implemented were inspired by those polls, Ghazi said.

Starting today visitors will be able to experience the newly renovated observatories and exhibits—but not without restrictions. Ghazi says he hopes the safety protocols put in place at the Empire State Building will serve as a benchmark for other attractions looking to open their doors. So much so, they will be making the procedures publicly available online.

Compared to summers past, the city is relatively free of out-of-town visitors, so for New Yorkers wanting to experience the city from above, now might be the best time to go.

“We are opening for New Yorkers,” Ghazi said, and to do so, is following all of the up-to-date state and city guidelines.

Wellness checks will be administered to all employees and visitors upon arrival—anyone who has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed to enter. Facial coverings will also be required for the entirety of the visit. Some interactive exhibits will run on a loop and binocular viewers will be closed for the time being.

Initially, capacity will be reduced by more than 80 percent allowing only 500 guests in the observatory’s 70,000-square-foot space at a time. Groups will also have to maintain a distance of more than 18 feet from other parties. Unlike in years, past visitors will now need to sign up for time slots, as to ensure the 500 person cap.

While some of the experience is open-air, some are confined indoors so in addition to the social distancing protocols and facial coverings, Ghazi says they are also using state-of-the-art air purification systems to help ensure visitors a safe experience. In some cases, air will be circulated and replaced up to 22 times an hour.

“We will always follow the guidelines, we will always learn, but we are ready,” Ghazi says of the awaited opening.

So, what does the experience entail? To begin, visitors will enter using a recently renovated entrance to the building that is designated for visitors to the observatories. A ticket will allow access to galleries on both the second and 80th floor that explores the history of the building from the day of its inception, to its construction, until today.

Then, visitors can go up 80 stories into the sky to check out more of the exhibits before catching a glimpse of the panoramic views of the city. On the 86th floor, both indoor and outdoor viewing is available and for those who want to spend a bit more for the entire experience, hop back on the elevator to visit the 102nd-floor observatory. If you visit after dark, visitors can see how the Empire State Building shines each night from the inside as the glass elevator from the 86th to 102nd floors takes you through the shafts where the lights are mounted.

Ghazi says they have had 100 percent of observatory staff return after being furloughed at the beginning of the city’s shutdown. They will all be provided PPE and have undergone additional training.

For the time being, hours will be restricted to 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at esbnyc.com.