The Empire State Building, an Art Deco skyscraper, was designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. The building’s construction was part of an intense competition in New York City to claim the title “world’s tallest building,” and in 1931 the Empire State Building surpassed both 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building to become the world’s tallest skyscraper, a fame it maintained until the completion of the World Trade Center in 1972.
The building’s distinctive spire was originally intended for use as a dirigible mooring mast, but wind conditions at the spire proved too dangerous for the aircraft. Since 1976, the spire’s lights have maintained a tradition of changing color to recognize various occasions and organizations throughout the year. In 2012, ownership installed a new computer driven LED light system capable of displaying 16 million colors which can change instantaneously. Catch dazzling light shows celebrating holidays and events, often synchronized to music. Go here to browse past shows!
The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue between 34th and 33rd Streets.
Find hours and all visitor info here.
