Empire State Building

Located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street in the New York City borough of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is an internationally known landmark and arguably the most famous building in the world. With it's Art Deco inspired design, the building and its lobby have been designated landmarks by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

On a fast track for completion, despite the onset of the Great Depression, excavation of the site began in January of 1930, and construction on the building itself started in March of that same year. Over 3,000 workers worked seven days a week to complete the construction of the building in a remarkable one year and 45 days. The building was officially opened on May 1, 1931.

At the time, the construction was part of an intense competition in New York City for the title of the world's tallest building. Two other projects, 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building each claimed the title for a short time, but upon its completion, the Empire State Building surpassed them both. It stood as the world's tallest building for more than forty years.

At one time the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building is currently the second tallest skyscraper in the United States and still among the tallest world-wide. Despite being surpassed in height, few other buildings in history can claim the iconic status of The Empire State Building.

How to get there:
* Subway: 1, 2, 3, 9, B, D, N, Q, R, V to 34th Street

Useful Links:

Observatory Information -
www.esbnyc.com

greatbuildings.com /Empire_State_Building

Empire State Building - Facts and Information

Address: 350 Fifth Avenue and 34th Street

Construction began in 1930, and the grand opening was held on May 1, 1931.

The Empire State Building rises to its full height at 1,453 ft.

It was the first building to have more than 100 floors. It has 6,500 windows and 73 elevators, and there are 1,860 steps from street level to the 103rd floor.

In 1964, floodlights were added to illuminate the top of the building at night and are often colored to match particular holidays or special events of the day.

The 86th Floor Observatory is open until 2 a.m. every night.

There is an additional observation deck on the 102nd floor that is open to the public.
It is completely enclosed and much smaller than the one on 86th floor.

Open daily, 365 days a year, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Special Holiday Hours apply;
Last elevator leaves 45 minutes before close.