description Chrysler Building Overview
Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan completed in 1930, standing 1,046 feet tall and briefly holding the title of world's tallest building before the Empire State Building opened.
help Chrysler Building FAQ
How long did the Chrysler Building hold the title of world's tallest building?
The Chrysler Building held the title for only about 11 months after its completion in 1930 at 1,046 feet (319 meters). The Empire State Building surpassed it when it opened in 1931 at 1,250 feet, a record it would hold for nearly four decades.
Who designed the Chrysler Building and what inspired its design?
The building was designed by architect William Van Alen for automotive magnate Walter Chrysler. Its iconic crown of sunburst-patterned stainless steel arches and the eagle gargoyles on the setbacks were directly inspired by Chrysler automobile hood ornaments and hubcaps of the era.
Can you go inside the Chrysler Building or visit an observation deck?
Unlike the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building has no public observation deck. Visitors can freely enter the stunning Art Deco lobby at 405 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, but the upper floors are restricted to tenants and their guests.
How was the Chrysler Building's spire secretly installed?
The 185-foot stainless steel spire was secretly assembled inside the building's fire shaft and hoisted into position in a single day in late 1929. This maneuver allowed the Chrysler Building to narrowly win a height race against 40 Wall Street, which had been completed weeks earlier.
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