Empire State Building Lights Up to Honor ‘Sesame Street’

New York City’s Empire State Building will be uniquely lit this month to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of “Sesame Street.”

The lighting will take place on Nov. 10 and will display the classic yellow and green motif of the “Sesame Street” logo.

“From the very beginning, New York City has been our hometown, as well as the physical and emotional inspiration for ‘Sesame Street,’” says Steve Youngwood, president, media and education, and chief operating officer, Sesame Workshop. “We are thrilled to celebrate our milestone anniversary with the Mayor’s Office and the landmark Empire State Building – partners who also celebrate diversity, embrace innovation and encourage us all to reach for the skies.”

In the lead up to the lighting display, the Mayor’s Office of New York City declared the 10th of this month Caroll Spinney Day. Spinney is the recently retired puppeteer who played famous characters such as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969. In honor of the day, Spinney was also presented an official proclamation at the Empire State Building’s visitors center.

“‘Sesame Street’ was a pioneer in using television as an educational medium and has set the gold standard for children’s programming worldwide for more than 50 years,” adds Anne del Castillo, commissioner, New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “I was delighted to join Mayor de Blasio in May when he renamed West 63^rd Street as ‘Sesame Street,’ and I am honored to offer the Mayor’s proclamation declaring November 8, 2019 ‘Caroll Spinney Day,’ in recognition of this master puppeteer who gave life to two of ‘Sesame Street’s’ most engaging characters, both of which have brought so much joy and learning into our lives.”