Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New York Skyscrapers
Empire State Building
The
Empire State Building
(1930-31) is the tallest structure in New York. For 28
years its dominance was eclipsed by the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in
the September 2001 terrorist attack. With an 86th-floor observatory, the building re-
ceives some 3.5 million visitors each year.
G.E. Building
Soaring 70 stories into the sky, this dramatic skyscraper (For further details see
G.E.
Building
), designed by Raymond Hood and erected between 1931 and 1933, has
shallow setbacks that recede into the distance. Part of the greatness of Hood's design
is the contrast between the building's height and surrounding Rockefeller Center.
• 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between 50th & 51st Sts
• Closed to public
Chrysler Building
The gleaming, stainless steel, tiered spire of the
Chrysler Building
adds grace to the city sky-
line. William Van Alen fashioned this Art Deco
classicin1928-30asatributetotheautomobile.
The building has a decorative frieze of stylized
hubcaps and silver gargoyles, much like the
winged radiator caps of a Chrysler automobile.
Chrysler Building
