Empire State Buiding
86th Floor Observatory in NYC | Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Here are some key details about the Empire State Building:
Location: The Empire State Building is situated at 350 Fifth Avenue, between West 33rd and 34th Streets in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is part of the city's skyline and is easily recognizable.
Features:
- Height:When it was completed in 1931, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world. Standing at 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) including its antenna, it held this title until the completion of the World Trade Center's North Tower in 1970. It remains one of the tallest buildings in the United States and is an iconic symbol of New York.
- Architectural Design:The Empire State Building was designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates. Its architectural style is Art Deco, a popular style in the 1930s. The building has a distinctive, tapered shape and features setbacks that give it a sleek and elegant appearance.
- Construction:Construction of the Empire State Building began in 1930, and the building was completed in 1931 during the Great Depression. Remarkably, it was constructed in just over a year, showcasing the efficiency and innovation of the construction process.
- Use:The Empire State Building is primarily an office building, housing various businesses and organizations. It also has a broadcasting tower at its pinnacle, making it a significant part of New York City's communication infrastructure.
- Observation Deck:One of the most popular features of the Empire State Building is its observation deck. Located on the 86th floor, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of New York City and its surroundings. The observation deck is a major tourist attraction and provides an iconic vantage point for visitors.
- Lighting:The Empire State Building is often illuminated in different colors to commemorate various events, holidays, and celebrations. The lighting displays have become a notable part of the building's identity.
- Cultural Significance:The Empire State Building has featured prominently in numerous films, TV shows, and works of literature, contributing to its status as a cultural icon. It is also a designated National Historic Landmark.
The Empire State Building has remained an enduring symbol of American architecture, engineering, and resilience, and it continues to be a significant part of New York City's cultural landscape.
The Empire State Building
The Empire State is Iconic and the first observatory that i went up in 1999 on my first visit (below left), the security and lift system can be a bit of a bind but as with all NY attractions its worth the wait.
Prior to 2018 visitors would enter via the 5th Avenue entrance where there is a fantastic Art Deco mural by Leif Neandross that was inspired by the machine age. Even though this entrance is no longer used to get to the observatory you can still go into the building on 5th Avenue if you would like to take a picture.
with the Empire State Observatory being a 360 degree outdoor attraction there are some great views of all 4 angles of Manhattan and beyond, and has a great view of the financial district and One World Trade in the distance.
the 86th floor has some great Art Deco and you get that swinging 30's feel when waiting for the lift back down.
Also on the way up to the observatory there is much memorabilia adorning the walls, and keep an eye out for King Kong.!
