The Chrysler Building is one of the most easily recognisable landmarks of the Manhattan skyline, its graceful stainless steel tiered spire glitters in the sunlight and glows when illuminated at night.
This art deco skyscraper was commissioned by automobile magnate Walter P. Chrysler and designed by architect William Van Alen. Standing at 318.9 m (1,046 ft) it was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in May 1930, only to be dwarfed the following year when the Empire State Building was finished in May 1931.
Chrysler wanted a building that reflected the success of his automobile industry, and the buildings distinctive architecture is based on Chrysler automobiles. The corners of the building on the 31st floor are decorated with replicas of the 1929 Chrysler radiator caps, and stainless steel gargoyles, modelled on the 1929 Chrysler Plymouth automobile's hood ornaments, protrude from corners of the 61st floor, even its art deco spire resembles a car radiator grill.
The buildings art deco lobby, originally designed as a show room for Chrysler cars, is open to the public and is well worth a visit. The walls of the lobby are decorated with marble and granite slabs, trimmed by chrome, with its vast ceiling depicting transportation scenes from the 1920's, painted by the artist Edward Trumball.
Opening Hours
Lobby only
Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm
Prices
Free
Address
405 Lexington Avenue
at East 42nd St
between W.33rd & W.34th St.
New York, NY 10174
Tel: 212-682-3070
How to Get There
Subway:
Take the 4, 6 or 7 trains to 42nd St/Grand Central
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