New York Times Building

New York, New York, 10036

New York Times Building

The New York Times Building, completed in 2007, is a 52‑story skyscraper rising 1,046 ft, designed by Renzo Piano in collaboration with FXFowle Architects. Located at 620 Eighth Avenue between 40th and 41st Streets, it serves as the Times Company’s headquarters and offers premium-grade office space for multiple tenants. Designed to embody transparency and openness, the building features a full-height glass curtain wall shielded by an outer screen of 175,000 ceramic rods—creating a crisp, layered façade and reducing solar heat gain by about 50%, while reinforcing journalistic themes of clarity and accessibility.

Its ground floor is unusually open to the public, acting as a pedestrian shortcut between 40th and 41st Streets. Visitors experience a transparent journey through the lobby, past a serene birch‑tree courtyard, and into the 378‑seat Times Center auditorium. Within, the Moveable Type art installation—composed of 560 digital panes displaying archival and live NYT content—reinforces the building’s integration of journalism, media, and architectural form.

Interesting Facts

  • Ceramic rod “double façade”: 175,000 off-white rods control light, fade visually toward the top, and reflect ambient conditions.

  • Climbers scaled the exterior: Notably French climber Alain Robert in 2008, along with two others—prompting added security measures.

  • Award-winning tower: Recognized by CTBUH with Best Tall Building (2008) and 10‑Year Building awards (2018).

Photos:

New York Times Building
New York Times Building
New York Times Building

Map:

Category: Historic NYC
Address: 242 W 41st St
10036
Place Name: New York Times Building
Architectural Style: High-tech modernism with sustainable double‑skin curtain wall and urban transparency.
Official website
Fees:

  • No public admission or tours; access to public spaces (lobby and Times Center events) is free during open hours or when attending scheduled events.

  • Most areas are employee-secured and off-limits to general visitors.

Pets Policy:

  • No pets allowed inside the building.

  • Service animals only, permitted in compliance with ADA and building security policies.

Amenities:

  • Public Lobby: Open-access corridor with courtyard and seating.

  • Times Center: 378-seat auditorium hosting talks, readings, press events.

  • Retail and Dining: Ground-level retail spots (shops and restaurants) available.

  • Sustainability Features: Efficient HVAC and cogeneration system for self-sufficient power and reduced environmental impact.

  • Connectivity: Subway entrance adjacent; multiple elevators (24 passenger, 8 service).

Image Attributions:

Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, New York Times Building - Bottom Portion (48193462432), CC BY 2.0

Defears, New york times building, CC BY-SA 4.0

Jdforrester, The New York Times Building at sunset, 2021-09-30, CC BY 4.0