Empire State Building

New York, New York, 10001

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.

Photos:

Empire State Building
Empire State Building
Empire State Building

Map:

Category: Art Deco Architecture
Address: 20 W 34th St.
10001
Place Name: Empire State Building
Architectural Style: Art Deco
Official website
Fees:

  • 86th-floor Observatory: ~$38

  • 80th-floor indoor deck: included with general tickets

  • 102nd-floor deck access: ~$20 additional

  • Premium packages: sunrise experience ($115), AM/PM combo ($55), private tours (~$460).

  • Admission required—no free access to observation decks.

Pets Policy:

  • Service animals are permitted per ADA.

  • Allowed on observatories and amenities, but must be leashed.

  • No other pets allowed due to security and crowd management; service dogs only.

Amenities:

  • Observatories: Iconic open-air (86th) and enclosed (80th & 102nd) decks with binoculars and indoor-outdoor experiences .

  • Exhibition galleries: On 2nd, 80th floors—history, pop culture, interactive displays.

  • Facilities: Restrooms (incl. accessible) on 86th floor, security screening, elevators, and ADA access.

  • Retail & dining: Lobby concessions, gift shops, Starbucks; Skyride experience not currently featured .

  • Events & experiences: VIP events, weddings, and seasonal fireworks viewing enhancements—like Fourth of July packages .

Image Attributions:

Anthony Quintano: https://www.flickr.com/photos/quintanomedia/, ESBandDowntown2015, CC BY 2.0

DanielPenfield, EmpireStateBuilding20205thAvenueEntrance, CC BY-SA 4.0

Dllu, View of Empire State Building from Rockefeller Center New York City dllu Cropped, CC BY-SA 4.0