Chrysler Building
The 1047 foot tall Chrysler Building held the title of the world's tallest building for one year when it was surpassed by the Empire State Building

In the 1920s, New York became obsessed with breaking the record of the world's tallest building. The title was achieved when the 1,047 foot Chrysler Building was built in 1930, but short-lived being surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. Almost thwarted all together by the Bank of Manhattan building being built at the same time, the stainless steel spire was constructed in secret and installed in 90 minutes giving the Chrysler Building the needed height win the title.
One of the most recognisable buildings in the Manhattan skyline, the 77-floor Art Deco building is currently the third tallest building in New York City. Since its restoration in 1996, the polished chromium nickel of the stepped dome building gleams even on cloudy days.
Automobile tycoon, Walter Chrysler purchased the design from architect William Van Alen and intended to make the building the Chrysler headquarters. Many decorative features inspired by Chrysler's automobiles including stainless steel eagle hood ornaments on the 61st floor and replicas of Chrysler radiator caps on the 31st floor.
Now a state of the art office building, the building is primarily used for business and there is no access for visitors beyond the lobby, but the intricate Art Deco marble floors and elevator banks are definitely worth a peek.
Nearby attractions: Grand Central Terminal, New York Public Library
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, USA
Official Website: Chrysler Building
Chrysler Building Reviews
Rated
Super duper cool to see. I feel the Chrysler building is much underrated due to the Empire State building yet I prefer the exaggerated art deco look of the former. There is not much to do, you can look around the lobby and go to the subway station, that is it. There is no observation deck; simply another office — fanciful — office in Manhattan.
Arthur Trusov - 5 months ago
We didn’t visit the inside of the building, but the building is so beautiful on the outside! The architecture of it is just amazing. You are able to go into the first floor I believe still but have to have a pass to go pass the elevators! Even so, a trip to NYC is not complete without seeing this ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL in person!
Casey Holloway - a month ago
Visitors only have access to a about half the lobby, still you can appreciate very well the beautiful art deco lobby. There are absolutely no tours inside.
Alex Mendez - 2 months ago
The humid New York air clung to me like a second skin, even at this late hour. I stood on the sidewalk, craning my neck, my camera bag digging into my shoulder. Before me, the Chrysler Building pierced the night sky, a beacon of Art Deco brilliance against the dark canvas of the city. It was my last night in Manhattan, and I couldn't leave without capturing this icon in its nocturnal glory.
I'd always been fascinated by the Chrysler Building. Its history, its design, its sheer audacity – it was more than just a building; it was a symbol of ambition, a testament to the roaring twenties and the city's relentless drive. I knew the stats – 1,046 feet tall, the world's tallest brick building with a steel frame, a brief holder of the "world's tallest" title back in 1930. I knew about Walter Chrysler's vision, his desire to create a legacy for his family. I even knew about the mixed reactions to its design when it was first unveiled – some critics weren't impressed, while others hailed its modern flair. Now, it was a beloved landmark, a symbol of New York's architectural prowess.
But tonight, I wasn't thinking about statistics or historical facts. I was focused on capturing the feeling, the essence of the building at night. The city lights, reflecting off the stainless steel spire, transformed it into a shimmering jewel. The intricate details, the geometric patterns, the stylized gargoyles – they all took on a different character under the cloak of darkness.
I set up my tripod, carefully composing each shot. I wanted to capture the building's verticality, its soaring lines reaching towards the heavens. I experimented with different angles, trying to capture the interplay of light and shadow. The streetlights cast long, dramatic shadows across the facade, highlighting the building's intricate details.
The city around me hummed with a low thrum, the sounds of traffic, distant sirens, and the murmur of late-night conversations. But I was in my own world, focused on the building before me, lost in its beauty.
I spent hours photographing the Chrysler Building that night, capturing its many facets, its different moods. I wanted to capture not just its image, but its spirit, its place in the city's mythology.
As I packed up my gear and prepared to leave, I looked back at the Chrysler Building one last time. It stood there, majestic and timeless, a silent witness to the city's dreams and aspirations. And I knew, with a photographer's heart, that I had captured a piece of its soul.
Kevin Leitch - 3 weeks ago
Lively lobby, superbly preserved.
Public are asked to stay around the puter edges of the lobby, as its a working building you can't block the turnstiles or be in the way in the middle.
The ceiling is spectacular
Charlotte Frost - 2 months ago
Directions
Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
4, 5, 6 or 7 | Grand Central / 42 Street | 0-2 MInutes |
How to get to Chrysler Building by Subway
Take the 4, 5, 6 or 7 train to Grand Central / 42 Street, exit onto 42nd Street and walk east to the corner of Lexington Avenue. Note that you may get better views of the building itself from farther back.
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Photo Gallery
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Looking Skyward at New York City's famous Chrysler Building cc licensed photo by zoonabar -
Photo Credit: Paul Lowry - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Paul Lowry - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Paul Andrew's Photos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: PunkToad - cc license via Flickr
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