A unique new attraction has opened in one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers – a glass wall that literally tips out to hover hundreds of feet from the ground below.

Known as Tilt, the glass and steel moveable platform on the 94th floor of 360 Chicago (formerly the John Hancock Observatory) can hold up to eight people at a time and costs US$5 (£3, €3.60) to try out (plus a general admission fee).

Tilt’s development was led by engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti, with Turner Special Projects operating as general contractor and Gensler as architect of record.

“Chicago has long been a pioneer in architecture. As the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago continues to be the leader in innovative architecture and Tilt furthers that tradition,” said Nichole Williamson, general manager of 360 Chicago. “Visitors to Chicago are now able to experience unsurpassable views while in motion on Tilt.”

The platform slowly tilts outward to an angle of 30 degrees, providing downward-facing views of Chicago from 1,000 feet (305 metres) in the air.

“Bold thinking supported by aggressive strategies is essential to growing visitation to Chicago,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO, Choose Chicago. “Chicago is heading in the right direction and at a precipitous pace. As Choose Chicago works to increase annual visitation to Chicago to 55 million by 2020, new and aspirational attractions such as TILT will bolster Chicago’s standing among leading global destinations.”