Empire State Building

A Landmark of Art Deco Grandeur

Standing in the heart of Manhattan's Midtown South, the Empire State Building serves as an international cultural icon. As you approach its facade on Fifth Avenue, you are met with a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture defined by its signature blonde color—a result of thousands of Indiana limestone panels and millions of bricks. The building’s design follows a classic three-part structure: a five-story base, a soaring 81-story shaft, and a dramatic capital that reaches toward the sky.

The Experience of Height

Ascending the tower offers you a perspective of New York City that has captivated audiences for decades. You can choose to visit different levels of observation to take in the scale of the city:

• The 86th floor serves as an outdoor observatory.
• The 102nd floor provides a high-altitude viewing experience within the building's spire_structure.
• An indoor observatory on the 80th floor offers a different vantage point for taking in the skyline.

History and Design

The site you stand upon was originally developed in 1893 as the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel before construction of the current skyscraper began in 1930. The building's unique form, including its various setbacks at the 21st, 25th, 30th, 72rd, 81st, and 85th stories, was designed to allow sunlight to reach the streets below. Its prominence is such that it was once the world's tallest building and remains a primary symbol of New York City, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Navigating Your Visit

To make the most of your time in Midtown, consider these practical tips for your journey:

• For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, visit the building late in the evening; it remains open until 2 AM.
• Utilize the nearby subway stations at 34th Street–Herald Square or 33rd Street at Park Avenue to navigate the neighborhood.
• If you are exploring multiple sites like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Statue of Liberty, consider a multi-attraction pass which can provide admission and line-skipping privileges.