Midtown Manhattan Landmarks

Chrysler Building in Midtown Manhattan

The Chrysler Building is a 77-floor Art Deco skyscraper at 405 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, designed by William Van Alen. It was the world's tallest building from its opening on May 27, 1930, until the Empire State Building opened on May 1, 1931.

Quick facts

Where: 405 Lexington Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
Architect: William Van Alen
Style: Art Deco
Construction: began January 21, 1929; opened May 27, 1930
Floors: 77
Height: 1,046 feet (319 m) including the spire, with the roof at 925 feet
Materials: Nirosta 18-8 stainless steel on the crown, spire and ornaments
World's tallest building: May 27, 1930 to May 1, 1931
Landmark status: National Historic Landmark (1976); New York City landmark for the facade and the lobby interior (1978)

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History

The project began as the Reynolds Building, developed by William H. Reynolds. Walter Chrysler bought the plot, the lease and the plans on October 15, 1928, for more than $2.5 million, and funded the building personally as an investment for his children. The Chrysler Corporation was a tenant, not the owner.

Construction began on January 21, 1929. Van Alen had the spire built in secret inside the building's frame. It was delivered in four sections and raised and riveted into place in about 90 minutes on October 23, 1929, one day before the Wall Street Crash. That lifted the building past 40 Wall Street as the world's tallest. It held the title for about 11 months, until the Empire State Building opened on May 1, 1931.

The crown, spire and ornaments are made of Nirosta 18-8 stainless steel, an alloy of 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel developed by Krupp in Germany. It was the first use of this alloy in an American project. About 50 metal ornaments decorate five floors, including gargoyles and replicas of 1929 Chrysler radiator caps on the 31st floor and eagles on the 61st floor.

The lobby is triangular in plan. Its ceiling mural, "Transport and Human Endeavor" by Edward Trumbull, measures 110 by 67 feet.

What to look for

The stainless-steel crown and spire
The eagles and radiator-cap ornaments on the upper floors
The Art Deco lobby, which is a designated New York City landmark along with the exterior

Visiting Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is an office building, and access to the lobby has changed over the years, so check before you visit. The crown is visible from many points around Midtown. Grand Central Terminal is just west on 42nd Street. To see Midtown by pedicab, see our tours.