The following tours visit General Electric Building in New York, NY:
4/25/2024 - 2/28/2025
Embark on an enchanting journey of discovery and inspiration, as you immerse yourself in the iconic splendor of the 'Architectural Tour of Midtown Manhattan’s Classic Landmarks.
Positioned at a prestigious corner of 570 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, the radiant Art-Deco skyscraper known as the General Electric Building is a historic landmark hors de série. Offering an arresting kinetic vision against the city skyline, the 70-story building presents an electrifying mélange of gothic detailing and art-deco style. Topping the Manhattan skyline, the pinnacle sends forth rays of light, symbolizing the wonder of electricity. With its strategic position, the General Electric Building stands among the primary points of interest for anyone looking to soak in the unique beauty and history of New York City.
Originally constructed with the moniker "RCA Victor Building" in 1931, the building was devised by famed architect John W. Cross of Cross & Cross. It was crafted to house the headquarters of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) which was later taken over by General Electric in the mid-1980s, thus, the current name. The architectural grandeur of this 640 feet high structure reflects the golden age of the city's skyscraper boom in the 30's. It boasts a unique stepped-back design to comply with a law at the time aimed at preventing buildings from casting long shadows on the streets below.
Standing tall in its ornate grandiloquence, the General Electric Building offers several magnetizing visuals. The main facade on Lexington Avenue features Gothic detailing, offering an arresting image even from a distance. In its broad terracotta guild iconography, the twelve apostles brandish electrically-powered modern gadgets, a symbol of GE's hegemony in the electricity market. The entrance lobby offers a luxurious sight showcasing black and gold marbles, frosted Art-Deco glass, and radiant brass details. Adding to the decorum, the hall features various colored marbles and a stunning ceiling mural featuring light rays—a nod to the power of electricity.
For those favoring architectural marvels, the detailing on the GE building is breathtaking. From closely-knit Masonic symbols adorning the facade to the unique broadcast-themed friezes featured right above the main entrance, every design element reflects sheer artistic grace. The crown of the building is probably the most famous aspect for visitors, its illuminated setbacks providing a glowing spectacle at night.
In summary, the General Electric Building is not just a historic skyscraper—it is a radiant symbol of New York's vivid past. A standing testimony to the city's age of electrification and skyscrapers, it is truly an architectural gem. This iconic building's historic prominence and architectural grandeur make it a must-visit destination for both architecturally-inclined tourists and history buffs. When you visit, remember to look up and take in the dazzling sight of this beacon, keeping the electrifying spirit of the city alive.
Originally constructed with the moniker "RCA Victor Building" in 1931, the building was devised by famed architect John W. Cross of Cross & Cross. It was crafted to house the headquarters of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) which was later taken over by General Electric in the mid-1980s, thus, the current name. The architectural grandeur of this 640 feet high structure reflects the golden age of the city's skyscraper boom in the 30's. It boasts a unique stepped-back design to comply with a law at the time aimed at preventing buildings from casting long shadows on the streets below.
Standing tall in its ornate grandiloquence, the General Electric Building offers several magnetizing visuals. The main facade on Lexington Avenue features Gothic detailing, offering an arresting image even from a distance. In its broad terracotta guild iconography, the twelve apostles brandish electrically-powered modern gadgets, a symbol of GE's hegemony in the electricity market. The entrance lobby offers a luxurious sight showcasing black and gold marbles, frosted Art-Deco glass, and radiant brass details. Adding to the decorum, the hall features various colored marbles and a stunning ceiling mural featuring light rays—a nod to the power of electricity.
For those favoring architectural marvels, the detailing on the GE building is breathtaking. From closely-knit Masonic symbols adorning the facade to the unique broadcast-themed friezes featured right above the main entrance, every design element reflects sheer artistic grace. The crown of the building is probably the most famous aspect for visitors, its illuminated setbacks providing a glowing spectacle at night.
In summary, the General Electric Building is not just a historic skyscraper—it is a radiant symbol of New York's vivid past. A standing testimony to the city's age of electrification and skyscrapers, it is truly an architectural gem. This iconic building's historic prominence and architectural grandeur make it a must-visit destination for both architecturally-inclined tourists and history buffs. When you visit, remember to look up and take in the dazzling sight of this beacon, keeping the electrifying spirit of the city alive.
