The Tower Optical Company · Norwalk, Conn.

The Donate a Viewer program

Give the gift of a view

Tower Optical's iconic binocular viewers have helped millions of people experience city skylines, natural wonders, and historic landmarks up close. Now you can make that experience possible for others.

Through the Donate a Viewer program, individuals, families, foundations, and businesses purchase a viewer and donate it to a park, municipality, school, landmark, or nonprofit organization of their choice. Create a lasting legacy — one view at a time.

How it works

Donating a viewer is simple

Four steps, from choosing the spot to the day it goes on watch.

Two Tower Optical coin-operated binocular viewers at a scenic mountain overlook
1. Choose the location

Select the park, landmark, municipality, or organization you'd like to support.

Tower Optical coin-operated binocular viewer over a waterfall
2. Select the configuration

Free-use, aesthetic coin-style, or coin-operated models — with ADA-accessible bases available for full inclusivity.

Row of Tower Optical binocular viewers along a waterfront pier
3. We coordinate the installation

Our team works directly with the host organization to handle logistics, installation, and long-term support.

View of a city through a Tower Optical viewer
4. Create a lasting impact

Your donated viewer enhances visitor experiences for years — even decades — to come.

Compare the viewer models →

The case for giving

Why donate a viewer?

Enhance public spaces

Give visitors a memorable, interactive way to experience scenic views.

Promote accessibility

Add an ADA-accessible base so guests of all abilities can enjoy the view.

Support local institutions

Help parks, schools, historical landmarks, and municipalities improve their visitor offerings without using public funds.

Leave a legacy

Donated viewers can include optional custom plaques recognizing the donor, organization, or dedication.

Who donates?

People who love a view

  • Families honoring a loved one
  • Foundations and charitable organizations
  • Corporations supporting local communities
  • Tourism boards and civic groups
  • Individuals passionate about preserving scenic spaces
A Tower Optical coin-operated binocular viewer near a historic white lighthouse overlooking the coast
From the Tower Optical archive

With every donation

What's included

  • Lifetime parts warranty
  • Unlimited phone support
  • Durable, American-made construction
  • Optional ADA-accessible base

Revenue options

How the recipient runs it

  • Operate it as a free-use viewer
  • Keep the revenue generated
Release № 1 · The Collector Machines
A restored black Tower Optical collector viewer photographed in the studio

Fewer than 2,000 were ever made

Three originals are for sale.

Hand-selected from decades of machines that came back through our shop — three serial-numbered originals from Niagara Falls and Crazy Horse Memorial, each restored one at a time in Norwalk. A one-time release: when they're gone, they're gone.

№ 507 · № 1028 · № 1939 remain — № 1986 sold