A dramatic trespassing stunt at New York City's iconic Empire State Building turned into a spectacle of romance, activism, and danger after a couple climbed to the top of the skyscraper's antenna, unfurled a giant peace banner, and appeared to get engaged before being arrested.

The incident unfolded around noon on Wednesday, when the pair, dressed in black with their faces covered, were spotted 1,454 feet above the ground atop the building's antenna.

The banner they displayed read: 'When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.'

After spending nearly 30 minutes on the spire, the two climbed down to a platform, embraced, and one appeared to propose to the other.

They then descended the rest of the structure, where NYPD officers took them into custody.

The climbers were identified as Russian nationals Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau, the real-life couple featured in the ‘Skywalkers: A Love Story’.

The documentary follows the pair as they perform high-risk rooftop climbs across the world with little or no safety equipment.

Authorities charged both with felony burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief, along with multiple misdemeanour offences including trespassing and possession of burglar's tools.

Investigators are examining how they bypassed security and reached the antenna, with officials suspecting they may have entered through a commercial or tenant entrance rather than the public observation deck.

The Empire State Building described the climb as 'unauthorised' and said there was no danger to visitors or tenants.

The landmark also joked that it 'does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals,' while its official social media account humorously apologised to rumours surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for 'making this week all about me.