Chrysler Building

Map & Directions
Photos & Video

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

Fee: No

Open Now

Hours This Week:

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
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, USA

Phone: (212) 682-3070

Official Website: Chrysler Building

Map of nearby accommodations: Booking.com

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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Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Chrysler Building Star Rating

Fabulous lobby open to all. Don't forget to go downstairs to see the shops. Just a shame there's no way to go up to the top...

Calum Morrison - 28 days ago

The art deco interior of this building is stunning. You can walk around in the foyer, but there are no public tours or anything like that. It's a "normal" office block type building. I hope the people that get to work in it appreciate the elegance and style of the place. :)

Andrew Thompson-Davies - 1 month ago

I love this building. It's so unfortunate that they don't offer guided tours. A beautiful example of Art Deco architecture.

Michael Dickson - 1 month ago

Just an iconic building, loved it. Found on Lexington avenue. Got some good photos. Don't think you can go up like the Rock and Empire State, but I went into the reception area and took some great photos, we'll worth a look. Also just across the road is Grand central market that is a great place to look around and is part of the Grand central station complex nearby. Great area to walk around, with all major buildings quite close together. Felt inspired walking around all the great architecture with the Xmas lights as a bonus.

Stephen Brown - 2 months ago

My favorite building in New York. Wish I could go upstairs but is offices there with no access for visitors. This amazing art deco building is so iconic so is very sad for me not to go to the top. On the ground floor everything look so amazing so can only imagine how beautiful will be on the top. Visit for the first time last year love so much need to back there this year.

Beata Collis - 3 months ago

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Video

This video shows not only the exterior of the Chrysler Building, but also its opulent lobby

Photo Gallery

Looking Skyward at New York City's famous Chrysler Building cc licensed photo by zoonabar
Midtown skyline looking east, NYC cc licensed photo by Dimitry B
Have you ever tried to climb the light? cc licensed photo by akigabo
Panoramic view of New York from Top of the Rock cc licensed photo by biajoe
Tudor City Overpass, Day into Night cc licensed photo by John Cunniff
Chrysler Building cc licensed photo by rwkvisual
61st floor, thick glass cc licensed photo by susanjanegolding
Midtown Skyline cc licensed photo by jakarachuonyo
Chrysler Building cc licensed photo by Jeffrey
The Chrysler Building cc licensed photo by susanjanegolding
Manhattanhedge 2988v cc licensed photo by fernandosmagrane