Chrysler Building

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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

Top of the Chrysler Building as seen from the Empire State Building cc licensed photo by Matthias Rosenkranz

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

Official Website: Chrysler Building

Fee: No

Open Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

Monday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Address: 405 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10174

Phone: (212) 682-3070

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 126 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

February 23,2023 the building is closed. The lobby person told me it's not available for public. He said before the pandemic it was allowed but not anymore. Read More

M n. Feb-23-2023

The Chrysler Building, east side, mid town, at the corner of 42nd & Lex., is one of my favorite buildings in NYC. The most gorgeous Art Deco skyscraper in... Read More

Cheri Y. Aug-10-2022

A buddy of mine works for a DC law firm and its headquarters being located in NY's Chrysler Building. We were in NY on a weekday, so we had the chance to... Read More

Ken Y. Nov-07-2021

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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

Looking Skyward at New York City's famous Chrysler Building cc licensed photo by zoonabar
Photo Credit: Yelp
Photo Credit: Yelp
Photo Credit: Yelp
Photo Credit: Nicolas Lh. - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: jjbers - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: HHA124L - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: HHA124L - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: HHA124L - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: HHA124L - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: HHA124L - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: HHA124L - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: HHA124L - cc license via Flickr