Can you visit the Chrysler Building?
The Chrysler Building is one of New York's most iconic skyscrapers. You can visit it, but access is limited to the lobby—here's what you need to know.
Standing at the corner of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, just a few minutes’ walk from Times Square, the Chrysler Building is one of New York’s most beautiful buildings—and in my view, the most elegant. Completed in 1930, this 319 m (1,046 ft) tower showcases remarkable Art Deco architecture, complete with striking gargoyles modeled after the radiator caps of 1930s Chrysler automobiles and a gleaming steel crown that pierces the skyline.
Unlike the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, or One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building has no observation deck. You cannot visit the top for views of the city. The floors above the lobby are occupied by offices and companies. Unless you have an appointment with one of the firms in the tower, you won’t be able to ride the elevators up.
An Art Deco lobby
What you can do is visit the lobby—a majestic space that embodies Art Deco style throughout. Enter through the main entrance on 42nd Street and you’ll see the elevators to your right, their doors beautifully detailed.
Walk into the center of the lobby and you’ll find a panel explaining the building’s history and key facts. Look up at the ceiling fresco and notice the lighting, distinctly Art Deco, echoing the design of the building’s crown.
You can also use a touchscreen to browse the directory of companies in the building.
Inside the Chrysler Building
