Kodak Tower
Iconic Rochester landmark, once Eastman Kodak's HQ, famed for its neon glow and historic architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Neon lights illuminate gorge
Kodak Tower
Best Time
Neon lights illuminate gorge
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Rochester landmark, once Eastman Kodak's HQ, famed for its neon glow and historic architecture.
"A splendid old building with gorgeous period design and architecture."
Capture the Neon Magic ✨
Aim for dusk to catch the Kodak Tower's iconic neon glow. Perfect for photographers!
Admire from the Gorge Trail 🏞️
The Genesee Gorge Trail offers stunning views, especially at night.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Neon Glow
Exterior view
Witness the Kodak Tower bathed in its signature neon glow at dusk, a truly magical sight.
Architectural Grandeur
Exterior view
Admire the splendid period design and architecture of this historic corporate landmark.
Genesee Gorge Trail Views
Genesee Gorge Trail
Experience the Kodak Tower's presence from the scenic Genesee Gorge Trail, especially at night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Understanding Public Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Capture the Neon Magic ✨
Aim for dusk to catch the Kodak Tower's iconic neon glow. Perfect for photographers!
Admire from the Gorge Trail 🏞️
The Genesee Gorge Trail offers stunning views, especially at night.
Check for Special Events 🎉
Look out for events like the '21 Stories for Scouts' rappel for unique experiences.
Appreciate the History 🎞️
This building is a landmark of photography and film history.
Tips
from all over the internet
Capture the Neon Magic ✨
Aim for dusk to catch the Kodak Tower's iconic neon glow. Perfect for photographers!
Admire from the Gorge Trail 🏞️
The Genesee Gorge Trail offers stunning views, especially at night.
Check for Special Events 🎉
Look out for events like the '21 Stories for Scouts' rappel for unique experiences.
Appreciate the History 🎞️
This building is a landmark of photography and film history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kodak Tower's splendid period architecture and the helpfulness of its staff. It's recognized as a historic landmark symbolizing the golden age of photography and film. While many appreciate its iconic status, some lament the lack of public access and a dedicated museum to delve deeper into Kodak's rich history.
"A splendid old building with gorgeous period design and architecture. The staff from security to building management are delightful and helpful."
Tod M
"A historical corporate building of movies and films. Golden ages and iconic land marks
Too bad there isn’t a Kodak museum that I can learn more about the history."
Yi G
"Kodak tower has lot of history in photography and film making.. Pictures taken in 2005"
Rambabu Kaipa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kodak Tower is located in downtown Rochester, NY. It's accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options are also available, with bus routes serving the downtown area.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages and street parking options available in the vicinity of the Kodak Tower. Rates can vary depending on the location and time of day.
If you are staying in downtown Rochester, the Kodak Tower is easily walkable. It's a central landmark in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Kodak Tower is primarily a corporate building for Eastman Kodak Company, and public access to the interior is generally not permitted. However, special events may offer limited access.
Standard public tours of the Kodak Tower are not typically offered. Access is usually restricted to employees or during specific organized events.
As it's a corporate building, there are no set public visiting hours. External viewing is possible at any time, but interior access is restricted.
No tickets are required to view the Kodak Tower from the outside. If you wish to participate in special events like the rappel, separate registration and fees will apply.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular time for photography is at dusk when the tower's neon lights come alive, creating a stunning visual. 
For dusk shots, a tripod is highly recommended to handle low light conditions. Experiment with longer exposures to capture the neon glow.
Yes, the Genesee Gorge Trail offers excellent perspectives.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and airspace restrictions. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
For a vintage feel, photographers have used films like Cinestill 400D for unique color rendition.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The Kodak Tower is a historic building that was once the headquarters of the Eastman Kodak Company, a pioneer in photography and film. It represents a significant era in American industrial and technological history.
George Eastman was the founder of Eastman Kodak Company and a visionary inventor who made photography accessible to the masses.
Yes, Eastman Kodak Company still operates from the Kodak Tower, maintaining its connection to this iconic landmark.
Currently, there isn't a dedicated Kodak museum directly at the tower. However, the building itself is a testament to the company's rich history in photography and film.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The nearby Genesee Gorge Trail offers a chance for a family stroll with views of the tower and the natural landscape. For a truly unique family adventure, consider if the '21 Stories for Scouts' rappel event is happening during your visit. While children may not be able to participate, watching brave individuals rappel down the tower can be an exciting spectacle.
+2 It's a great way to introduce kids to the history of photography and a prominent Rochester landmark in an engaging way.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Explore the Genesee Gorge Trail for dramatic angles and night shots that highlight the tower's silhouette against the city lights. Experiment with different film stocks for a vintage aesthetic, as seen with Cinestill 400D.
Consider early mornings for softer light and fewer crowds, or even hyperlapse videos to capture the changing atmosphere. The tower's architectural details also offer opportunities for close-up shots that showcase its historical design.🏛️ History Buffs
Reflect on the golden age of film and photography as you view the tower from the outside. The building itself is a testament to innovation and the impact of visual media on society.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of George Eastman and Kodak
While public access to the tower's interior is limited, its exterior architecture speaks volumes about the era it represents. It's a piece of history that continues to inspire, reminding visitors of the profound impact Kodak had on visual culture and communication. For those interested in the history of photography, the tower serves as a tangible link to a pivotal period.
Many visitors express a desire for more direct engagement with Kodak's history, such as a dedicated museum.
Capturing the Kodak Tower: Photography Tips
Beyond the neon, consider the tower's architectural details. Its period design is a significant draw, and capturing it from various angles can reveal its grandeur. The Genesee Gorge Trail provides excellent vantage points, especially for capturing the tower in its natural setting, and offers a different perspective, particularly at night.
Experimenting with different film stocks, like Cinestill 400D, can also add a distinctive aesthetic to your images, evoking a classic film feel. For those interested in more dynamic imagery, hyperlapse videos can showcase the changing light and activity around the tower.
Remember to check local regulations if considering drone photography, as airspace can be restricted. Ultimately, the best approach is to visit at different times of day and experiment with your equipment to find the most compelling shots.Unique Experiences: Rappelling the Kodak Tower
+2This event is a fantastic way to engage with the landmark in a truly memorable way. Participants often share their excitement and the unique perspective gained from this adventurous activity. It's a chance to see Rochester from a different angle while supporting a good cause.
+1While not a regular occurrence, keeping an eye out for announcements regarding these special events can provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with the Kodak Tower in an extraordinary manner. It's an experience that combines adventure with a connection to a historic Rochester landmark.
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