Chrysler Building, New York, United States

The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco skyscraper in the Turtle Bay neighborhood on the East Side of Manhattan. At 319 m, it is the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework, and was the world's tallest building for 11 months after its completion in 1930.

Originally a project of real estate developer and former New York State Senator William H. Reynolds, the building was constructed 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. Although the Chrysler Building was built and designed specifically for the car manufacturer, the corporation did not pay for its construction and never owned it; Walter Chrysler decided to fund the entire cost personally so his children could inherit it. 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, ranging from views of it as inane and unoriginal to the idea that it was modernist and iconic. Perceptions of the building have slowly evolved into its now being seen as a paragon of the Art Deco architectural style.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

G O (3 years ago)
Wonderful ! For me, the most beautiful building in New York. One of the symbols of rich, prosperous New York and the Roaring Twenties. Its Art-deco style gives it refined details. The eagles are magnificent. located on the 61st floor, they cannot, unfortunately, be seen with the naked eye. we can only observe the radiator caps of the Chrysler brand located on the 31st floor. At night, the spire of the building is impressive. But the details of the building can be appreciated by day. To think that this building will soon be a hundred years old. What a feat!

Kelly Pratt (3 years ago)
I've been wanting to visit this building for years but sadly the 4 days I was in New York for the building was closed due to covid and the closet I could get were the front doors which was so disappointing as this was August 2022 and everyone seems to have moved on apart from this building. But I did get some nice pics of it from the Empire State Building !!!

G C (3 years ago)
This is favourite building in New York. Absolutely stunning! It is a shame that it cannot be visited. We could only access the main hall, and we were not allowed to take photos there. However, my recommendation is to visit the new One Summit Vanderbilt building, the only one from which you can get a full and panoramic view of the Chrysler. Not to be missed!!!

Dejan Braki (3 years ago)
Probably the world's most beautiful skyscraper imo, specially considering its age. Last time we were in NYC 5 years ago we were allowed to enter the lobby, now that's not the case any more. Such a pity. Still my fav NYC building, just deducting one star because of that. See some amazing pics I captured from High Line and from Vanderbilt tower.

Mafer Vega (4 years ago)
Definitely my absolute favorite in NYC, what a beauty this building is. You can go to Grand Central and take a great picture with this gorgeous piece of architecture wonder in the back, best ? selfie spot to get it in the background. Top of the Rock is a great way to see it as well. I wish there was a way to see it from a neighboring building!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Chrysler Building

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus