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Chrysler Building, New York, NY

Photo: Misterweiss, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory BuffFree

Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Ave · New York, NY

Why you should go…

William Van Alen's Art Deco tower opened in 1930 and rises 1,046 feet to the tip of its spire. From the sidewalk you can pick out the terraced stainless steel crown with its sunburst of triangular windows, plus corner ornaments and replicas of 1929 Chrysler radiator caps on the 31st floor. The lobby, the only part open to visitors, has African red granite walls and the ceiling mural Transport and Human Endeavor. It is a working office building with no observation deck.

  • #art deco
  • #skyscraper
  • #architecture
  • #landmark
  • #midtown manhattan

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chrysler Building, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Grand Central Terminal

    Free

    The 1913 Beaux-Arts landmark with a starry celestial ceiling, the famous opal clock, and a Whispering Gallery, free to wander.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

    $25–$50

    Mirrored infinity rooms, glass skyboxes, and Midtown views from 1,000+ feet above Grand Central, one of NYC's most photographed observation decks.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    New York Public Library

    Free

    Walk past the marble lions Patience and Fortitude to see the Rose Main Reading Room and a free exhibition of library treasures.

    0.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    United Nations Headquarters

    $25–$50

    Take a guided tour through the General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber at the UN's riverside headquarters.

    0.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Iconic

    Fifth Avenue

    Free

    Stroll Manhattan's signature avenue past flagship stores and boutiques, then head north along Central Park to Museum Mile.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Bryant Park

    Free

    Relax on the lawn behind the New York Public Library, play games, ride the carousel or skate in winter.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor