One of New York City's most iconic landmarks, the Chrysler Building stands tall on the city’s skyline with its distinctive Art Deco style. Located on the east side of Manhattan at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, the Chrysler Building is famed for its terraced crown, composed of seven radiating arches laden with shimmering triangular vaulted windows. Renowned for its architectural grandeur that embodies the essence of classic New York, the Chrysler Building is an essential visit, particularly for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs yearning to experience a piece of the Big Apple's rich historical tapestry.
The building's inception dates back to the zenith of the city's skyscraper race in the late 1920s. Commissioned by automotive magnate Walter P. Chrysler, the building was completed in 1930 under the guidance of architect William Van Alen. Boasting 77 stories and a height of 1,046 feet, the Chrysler Building, even if just for a brief 11 months, held the title of the world's tallest building before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building. Its art deco architecture is marked by rich design elements inspired by the automotive age, including car fenders and hubcaps.
The striking highlight of the Chrysler Building is undoubtedly its crown, a beacon of stainless steel arches that emits a captivating, gleaming glow in the daytime and a ghostly aurora at night. Decorative gargoyles adorning the 31st floor capture the spirit of the roaring twenties and echo Mr. Chrysler's passion for automotive design. While the building's lobby is equally noteworthy, bedecked with murals dedicated to man's achievements in science and technology, the building itself is not open to tourists. However, its grandeur can be appreciated from many viewpoints across the city, including spectacular views from the neighboring Grand Central Station and the top of the Empire State Building.
Embodying an integral part of New York's history, culture, and identity, the Chrysler Building remains an inspiring symbol of the city's indomitable spirit and its architectural triumphs. While you may not be able to share a grand elevator ride to its pinnacle, the very sight of its towering magnificence and the allure of its fantastic history make the Chrysler Building a must-see for anyone visiting New York City. Its enduring allure resides not just in what it once was—a height champion—but in what it has remained: an unmatched emblem of Old New York, always ready for its close-up.
