Is the Chrysler Building New York City’s finest
building? While many regard it as such, there are many
aspects for consideration. Embodiment of the New York
spirit… check. Aesthetics… check. Architectural
boldness and detail… check. Endless pop culture
reference… double check. Chrysler Building New
York City has it all. The jury may be out as far the
greatest structure in the city, but it is common knowledge
that the Chrysler Building is the best skyscraper NYC
has to offer. Not to mention its great location near Grand
Central Station and numerous top notch New
York City hotels.
Aside from the Empire State Building, this Art Deco masterpiece is the most recognizable skyscraper in Manhattan. “Visually interesting” doesn’t begin to describe the way this building magnetically draws cameras and eyes alike. Featured prominently for years in the Saturday Night Live opening credits, Chrysler Building New York City is an icon worth your time during your stay in the city.
Chrysler Building history is almost as intriguing as the look of the building itself. William Van Alen, the architect behind the Chrysler Building, was intensely attempting to build the tallest building in New York and the world. In 1930, this race for glory among architects and developers included those involved with the building of 40 Wall Street, which was planned to finish two feet higher than the Chrysler Building. In the most famous piece of Chrysler Building history and lore, Van Alen secretly constructed a 125 foot spire inside the Chrysler Building, and hoisted it to the top upon completion, making the Chrysler Building the tallest structure in the world. For all the trickery, this title lasted only a year, as the Empire State Building was finished the next year, in 1931. Now the Chrysler Building is the second tallest building in New York, a distinction it sorrowfully regained after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
Aside from its height, Chrysler Building history also includes the architect’s bold decision to include such visual decoration without making the building seem the least bit gaudy. The 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue landmark includes immense steel gargoyles that mimic Chrysler hood ornaments of the time, located at the corners of the 61st floor. Actress Naomi Watts recently stood atop one of these Gargoyles for a magazine photo, adding just another page to the history of Chrysler Building New York City. The triangular lighting built into the structure, in addition to the floodlights that can change color for any occasion, make the Chrysler Building stand out in the midtown skyline.
In a recent survey conducted by New York’s Skyscraper
Museum, the Chrysler Building was chosen as the overwhelming
favorite building among New Yorkers who work in the building
and design industry. If architecture is one of your reasons
for visiting the city, plan a New
York City day trip to visit the Skyscraper Museum,
the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and
a few of your favorite other structures. All New York
City tours of architecture will inevitably lead to the
Chrysler Building. When visiting the Chrysler Building,
don’t miss the elegant lobby, boasting an impressive
ceiling mural. The famous elevators in the Chrysler Building
are also something you must experience, though there is
no longer an operational observation deck at the end of
the ride.
The best place to get a good look at the majesty of the Chrysler Building itself is from the Empire State Building’s observation deck. But don’t stop there. It is worth the few blocks’ walk to enjoy your own up-close encounter with Chrysler Building New York City.
