There are endless things to do and see in New York, but you won't want to miss climbing to the top of the iconic Empire State Building. Despite being built as a commercial center, the Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The building is one of America's cultural icons and the world's first tallest skyscraper.
Empire State Building History
The location where the structure is located has a long history dating back to 1799. The land is purchased for $2,600 by a farmer named John Thompson. The land changed hands over time and was finally sold to the Astor family. The Waldorf Astoria Hotel first opened its doors in 1897. Bethlehem Engineering Corporation bought the hotel in 1928.
The Empire State corporation was founded in 1929 by John Jakob Raskob (a former General Motors executive) and Alfred E. Smith (a former Governor of New York). The aim was to establish a modern business center in place of the aging hotel. They wanted to build a majestic building that would give confidence and inspiration to Americans in a time of crisis.
The Empire State Building's construction began in 1930, under the direction of architects Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates. The building was completed in a record-breaking 1 year and 45 days. In Washington, D.C., President Hoover presses a button, formally opening the Empire State Building and turning on the lights for the first time.
The Empire State Building, designed by adopting the Art Deco style, has a simple and unadorned architecture.
Empire State Building Parts
Lobby; restored to its original 1930 design. In the entrance, there are self-service ticket kiosks and magnificent art deco ceiling paintings.
2nd floor; There is a gift shop. If you want to buy souvenirs related to the building, you can stop by this part on your way out.
80th floor; This floor with closed glass is quite spacious. It is the floor where the “Dare To Dream” exhibition is located. The story of the building and the American dream is told through pictures. You can examine photographs, architectural drawings, construction notes and diaries of the period.
86th floor; This floor, dubbed the "Main Deck," is New York's tallest open-air observatory. It is made up of a glass dome. It provides a full 360-degree viewing angle. You can see Central Park, the Hudson River and East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and much more from this vantage point. There is incredible wind here.
102nd floor; It is the top observation area of the building. You can watch the unique view of New York. However, its area is very narrow and its diamond-patterned wires are very thick. These wires, which were added after the last suicide case in 2004, negatively affect the landscape. Essentially, the view is the same as the 86th floor, and we leave it to you to decide whether to exit or not.
Tower lights; The skyscraper's illumination at night has become an international symbol of the New York skyline. Since 1976, the Empire State Building tower lights maintain a tradition of changing colors to commemorate various events and days throughout the year.
Address: 20 W 34th Street and Fifth Avenue
Transport:
B, F, M, N, Q, R, W to 34 St. – Herald Square Subway Station
Price:
Main Deck (86th Floor):
for adults $42,
for seniors $40,
for children $36,
Top Deck (102nd Floor):
for adults $75,
for seniors $73,
for children $69,
Contact:
https://www.esbnyc.com/
Opening hours: Mon–Thu Opens AT 1 P.M.; Fri, Sun Opens at 11 A.M.
