Empire State Building

Completed in 1931 and designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the Empire State Building is a defining Art Deco skyscraper, rising 102 usable floors (1454 ft including antenna). Its distinctive limestone façade, grand bronze lobby, and soaring crown symbolize early 20th-century optimism and architectural ambition . The building holds a timeless allure with its celestial-themed observatories on the 86th, 102nd, and newly added 80th floors—each offering breathtaking panoramic views over Manhattan and beyond.

Now owned by Empire State Realty Trust, the building has undergone extensive modernization—including LEED Gold certification, energy retrofits, and lobby/mural restorations—while preserving its Art Deco elegance. It also houses immersive exhibits that celebrate its history, featuring interactive galleries, King Kong tributes, and more.

Interesting Facts

• World’s tallest: Held that title (to roof) from 1931 to 1970; briefly again in NYC post–9/11 until 2012.

• LEED Gold Certified: Tallest LEED-certified skyscraper when the rating was awarded in 2011.

• Most photographed: Cornell analysis tagged it the world’s most photographed building in 2011.

• Lightning rod: The spire is struck by lightning about 25 times yearly.

• Pop culture star: Featured in over 250 films and famously in King Kong (1933), Sleepless in Seattle, Independence Day, and many more.