Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building in New York City is one of the most beautiful and recognizable skyscrapers in the world. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this Art Deco masterpiece is famous for its shining stainless steel crown and unique architectural details. Even among the many skyscrapers of New York, the Chrysler Building stands out because of its elegant and timeless design. When you look closely at the building, you will notice incredible decorative elements such as the eagle shaped gargoyles and the triangular patterns on the crown. These details were inspired by automobile designs of the 1920s since the building was originally built for the Chrysler automobile company. Although visitors cannot go up to an observation deck inside the building, simply seeing it from the street is still a great experience. The building looks especially impressive when sunlight reflects off the stainless steel crown or when it is illuminated at night. The area around the Chrysler Building is very easy to reach by subway since it is located near Grand Central Terminal. Parking in Midtown Manhattan can be very expensive and difficult to find, so public transportation is usually the best option. A helpful tip is to view the building from different angles around Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street. The perspective changes dramatically depending on where you stand and you can capture some excellent photos from the surrounding streets. Overall the Chrysler Building is a must see landmark in New York City and a perfect example of classic Art Deco architecture that still defines the Manhattan skyline today.
Sahaj Parekh - in the last week

The Chrysler Building is one of New York’s greatest skyscrapers, and one of the world’s most beloved and iconic buildings. Owned by both the “Cooper Union” & “Signa Holding,” the Chrysler Building stands at 1,046 feet tall, and is considered the tallest brick building in the world with steel framework. The building was constructed and designed by Walter Chrysler, the late founder & head of the Chrysler Corporation. Mr. Chrysler worked with noted architect, William Van Halen to design the Chrysler Building, and wanted the building to be used as a real estate investment for the benefit of his children. The building was fully completed and opened to the public in May of 1930. It has been showcased in many popular films ranging from “Independence Day” “Deep Impact,” “ the Avengers” and “Men in Black 3.” Notable tenants include “Creative Artists Agency”, “Intermedia Partners” & the “YES Network.” Due to its amazing design, distinctive architectural features and rich heritage, the Chrysler Building has been designated as a New York City Landmark, listed on the National Register Of Historic Places and has been recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. In November of 2025, I brought my wife and myself for a visit to the Chrysler Building and we very much enjoyed our experience!!! We both loved viewing the building, especially the building’s 31st floor gargoyles, the Chrysler radiator caps, and its gorgeous Art Deco style crown and spire. When entering inside the Chrysler Building, my wife and I were immediately captivated by the building’s immaculate ground floor lobby. We had fun viewing and taking pictures of the stunning Art Deco interior, the red Moroccan marble walls, the beautiful ceiling mural, and the ornate elevator cabs with exotic wood details. After viewing the building’s ground floor lobby, I treated my wife and myself for a light brunch at the WatchHouse Chrysler. The WatchHouse Chrysler is a wonderful coffee shop owned by WatchHouse, a highly revered coffee brand that’s based in the United Kingdom and one that has opened up branches throughout the world. Both my wife and I were impressed by the courtesy and professionalism provided by the staff and very much enjoyed our meal and warm beverages!!! When visiting New York City, both my wife and I recommend that you definitely make time to see and visit the Chrysler Building, a highly beloved and outstanding destination!!!
Greg Harris - a week ago

This place is off-limits to tourists. I consider it a neglected part of New York's history. According to my ranking of NYC's TOP BUILDINGS, this building is second (#1 Rockefeller, #3 Empire). As I mentioned, the building is not open to the public, but I had the opportunity, courtesy of the staff, to take a few photos to commemorate this great work of architecture.
Hi, I’m David! - 3 months ago

Chrysler Building Article Talk Language Download PDF Watch Edit This article is about the building in New York City. For the current US Chrysler headquarters, see Chrysler World Headquarters and Technology Center. For Chrysler offices in downtown Detroit, see Chrysler House. The Chrysler Building is a 1,046-foot-tall (319 m), Art Deco skyscraper in the East Midtown neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. Located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, it is the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework. It was both the world's first supertall skyscraper and the world's tallest building for 11 months after its completion in 1930. As of 2019, the Chrysler is the 12th-tallest building in the city, tied with The New York Times Building.[12] Chrysler Building Logo of the building The Chrysler Building in May 2009 Map Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap Record height Tallest in the world from May 27, 1930[1][2] to May 1, 1931[3][I] Preceded by 40 Wall Street Surpassed by Empire State Building General information Type Office building Architectural style Art Deco Location 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10174 US Coordinates 40°45′06″N 73°58′31″W Construction started January 21, 1929; 96 years ago Topped-out October 23, 1929; 96 years ago Completed May 27, 1930; 95 years ago[1][2] Opened May 27, 1930; 95 years ago Owner Cooper Union Height Antenna spire 1,046 ft (319 m)[4] Roof 925 ft (282 m) Top floor 899 ft (274 m)[4] Technical details Floor count 77[4][5] Floor area 1,196,958 sq ft (111,201.0 m2)[4] Lifts/elevators 32[4] Design and construction Architect William Van Alen Structural engineer Ralph Squire & Sons Main contractor Fred T Ley & Co U.S. National Historic Landmark Designated December 8, 1976[7] Reference no. 76001237 U.S. National Register of Historic Places Designated December 8, 1976[8] Reference no. 76001237 New York State Register of Historic Places Designated June 23, 1980[9] Reference no. 06101.001565 New York City Landmark Designated September 12, 1978[10] Reference no. 0992[10] Designated entity Facade New York City Landmark Designated September 12, 1978[11] Reference no. 0996[11] Designated entity Interior: Lobby References [4][6] Originally a project of real estate developer and former New York State Senator William H. Reynolds, the building was commissioned by Walter Chrysler, the head of the Chrysler Corporation. The construction of the Chrysler Building, an early skyscraper, was characterized by a competition with 40 Wall Street and the Empire State Building to become the world's tallest building. The Chrysler Building was designed and funded by Walter Chrysler personally as a real estate investment for his children, but it was not intended as the Chrysler Corporation's headquarters (which was located in Detroit at the Highland Park Chrysler Plant from 1934 to 1996). An annex was completed in 1952, and the building was sold by the Chrysler family the next year, with numerous subsequent owners. When the Chrysler Building opened, there were mixed reviews of the building's design, some calling it inane and unoriginal, others hailing it as modernist and iconic. Reviewers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries regarded the building as a paragon of the Art Deco architectural style. In 2007, it was ranked ninth on the American Institute of Architects' list of America's Favorite Architecture. The facade and interior became New York City designated landmarks in 1978, and the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Roy Zuniga - 4 months ago

Lobby is beautiful to look at. The security guards are very knowledgeable on the history of the building. Would defo recommend as a stop on the tour!
Xavier lake - 2 months ago