Chrysler Building – Art Deco Masterpiece & Future Observatory

Page Index – Chrysler Building – Art Deco Masterpiece & Future Observatory

1. - 1. The Chrysler from NYC’s Observatories
2. - 2. What to See – Exterior and Interior
3. - THE CHRYSLER BUILDING -  PHOTO GALLERY 
4. - 3. History & Construction: Racing to the Sky
5. - 4. Art Deco Architecture – Symbolism & Design
6. - 5. Trivia & Records
7. - 6. Possible Observatory Reopening
8. - 7. Famous Photos & Film/TV Appearances
9. - 8. The Chrysler in Midtown’s Urban Fabric
10. - 9. Visiting Today – Practical Advice
11. - 10. Ownership, Preservation & the Future
12. - 11. The Chrysler as a Cultural Icon
13. - Map: Where is located and how to get there

1. The Chrysler from NYC’s Observatories

Stunning views of Midtown Manhattan reveal the Chrysler Building in all its glory. From the Top of the Rock, the One Vanderbilt Summit, and even the Empire State Building, its iconic stainless-steel crown and Art Deco spire shine against the modern skyline. The metallic brilliance and distinctive crown detail beautifully contrast with contemporary structures.

2. What to See – Exterior and Interior

Exterior Highlights

• The white brick and black granite façade, accented with shiny Nirosta (18-8 stainless steel), praised for durability and aesthetics.
• Elegant tapered spire reaching 1,046 ft (318 m) tall, adorned with automotive-inspired motifs resembling hubcaps.
• The famous Art Deco “gargoyles” on the 31st floor—stylized eagle heads that echo Chrysler radiator caps and symbolized speed and modernity when it opened.

Interior Delights – Art Deco Splendor

• The public lobby—crafted from African red marble, Siena travertine, sleek metals, and engraved glass—offers a breathtaking Art Deco experience.
• Chevron-pattern elevator doors and sunburst motifs in Nirosta pay homage to Chrysler automotive design.
• A vaulted ceiling painted by Edward Trumbull (1930) titled “Transport and Human Endeavor,” featuring workers, trains, airplanes, and a machine-age hero.

THE CHRYSLER BUILDING -  PHOTO GALLERY 

 

 

 

3. History & Construction: Racing to the Sky

Construction began in January 1929 when architect William Van Alen was commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler to stake a claim in Manhattan’s signature skyline. In fierce competition with the Empire State Building, the spire was secretly assembled atop the structure at night, beating rival 40 Wall Street. Completed in just 18 months, it held the title of the world’s tallest building for 339 days (May 1930–May 1931).

4. Art Deco Architecture – Symbolism & Design

The Chrysler’s architecture is a visual manifesto of technological progress: radiator-inspired motifs in the spire, turbine-like scrollwork, geometric panels, and bold use of shiny metal. The contrast between brick, stone, and stainless steel celebrates the “machine age.”

The building’s setbacks and inverted pyramid silhouette follow the 1916 Zoning Resolution, yielding an elegant profile and dynamic skyline presence.

5. Trivia & Records

• It remains the tallest brick building in the world.
• Its crown is made of 7,500 triangular stainless-steel panels.
• It has its own ZIP Code—10174—the same as just 40 other buildings in Manhattan.
• The building’s steel panels were tested by an ASTM subcommittee for durability as recently as 1960.
• The exclusive Cloud Club lounge (58th–60th floors) and original 71st-floor observatory were open until 1945; they remain closed to the public and are often cited as candidates for reopening.

6. Possible Observatory Reopening

From 1930 to 1945, a public “Celestial” observatory existed on the 71st floor with panoramic windows, celestial-themed murals, and even Chrysler’s original tool chest. Plans nearly came to fruition when current owner Aby Rosen received approvals in May 2020 for a new sky-deck on the 61st floor with glass railings.

Entrance fees are estimated between $35 and $40, and construction was slated to start in 2021. Legal disputes—especially with Cooper Union over agreements—have delayed progress into late 2024–2025. However, approved design details include glass walkways and open-air terraces, making public reopening feel imminent.

7. Famous Photos & Film/TV Appearances

• Iconic 1934 photograph by Margaret Bourke-White perched on a hubcap at the 61st floor—sold at auction for nearly $96,000.
• Silver screen appearances: “Independence Day,” “Armageddon,” “Deep Impact,” “Godzilla,” “A.I.,” “Spider-Man,” “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” “The Avengers,” and “Men in Black 3”.
• Featured in TV shows: “Mad Men,” “The Wiz,” “Q – The Winged Serpent,” “The Shadow of the Witness.”
• Few films have treated the Chrysler as a star—film scholar James Sanders once remarked it “deserves an Oscar for Best Supporting Skyscraper.”

8. The Chrysler in Midtown’s Urban Fabric

Located in Midtown East, the Chrysler Building harmonizes with architectural landmarks like Grand Central Terminal, the MetLife Building, and Bryant Park. It’s often photographed from Lexington Avenue or from Summit, capturing the historical layers of Manhattan in one frame.

9. Visiting Today – Practical Advice

Visitors today can:

• Admire the lobby for free—entrances on Lexington or 42nd Street; nearest subway lines include 4/5/6/7 and Port Authority trains.
• Photograph the building externally from Lexington & 42nd Street, among the most iconic angles.
• Combine your visit with a trip to Summit One Vanderbilt or a stroll through Bryant Park.
• Check lobby hours—typically 8 AM–6 PM on weekdays, closed on weekends and holidays.
• Note that the top remains closed until the observatory officially reopens.

10. Ownership, Preservation & the Future

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and an NYC Landmark (façade and lobby) in 1978, the building is owned through a ground-lease structure: Cooper Union owns the land while RFR/Signa holds the leasehold. Various revitalization plans—from hotel conversions to LEED Gold office renovations in 2001 and 2010–11—have been considered. The observatory plan remains the most serious.

11. The Chrysler as a Cultural Icon

It stands as a symbol of the optimistic vision of the late Depression-era industrial age and a high point of Art Deco design. Even in partial access, it remains a must-see for its architectural, historical, and cultural significance—a centerpiece of any Midtown walking tour.

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