VIBE

The Chrysler Building, completed in 1930, held the title of the tallest in the world…for eleven months (it was eclipsed by the Empire State Building). But, while it may have quickly lost its distinction as the tallest building, it has effortlessly retained its place as one of the most elegantly designed. Its unique Art Deco form highlights the glamour of the futuristic 1920s Machine Age aesthetic by incorporating elements from Chrysler’s luxe automobiles into the architecture: the seductive curvilinear crown is made from overlapping hubcaps, while the thoroughly modern gargoyles are oversized versions of Chrysler’s iconic hood ornaments. Since it’s a functioning office building, the interiors and observation deck are closed to visitors, but you can still scope the luxurious lobby (complete with carved wooden elevator doors and a stunning airplane mural on the ceiling), or admire its graceful curves from one of the city’s many vantage points.

GO HERE WITH

Architecture enthusiasts; first timers to NYC

WHY WE LIKE IT

We love the gorgeous Jazz Age architecture and the way it connects us with the glamour of 1920s New York. While the lobby is certainly lovely, our favorite way to “visit” the Chrysler Building is to observe it from afar–it looks even lovelier when admired in its “natural habitat” among the other towers of the Manhattan skyline.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

We would love to be able to tour the building and visit the observation deck (now both closed to the public).

GOOD TO KNOW

The Chrysler Building was built during an intense competition in New York City for the title of world’s tallest skyscraper. Completed at an average rate of four floors per week, it was the first manmade structure to stand taller than 1,000 feet. The spire on the Chrysler Building (which is what raised its height to the tallest in the world) was constructed in total secrecy, and then hoisted into place and secured in under 90 minutes–a feat which took the architectural world by storm at the time.

CLOSEST COMPS

Empire State Building (New York); Rockefeller Center (New York); Sears Tower (Chicago)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.