The Empire State Building rises 1,454 ft (443.2 m) to its tip, anchoring New York’s skyline like no other structure.
Geographic Context
That spot gives it a prime view of the island’s grid and the Hudson River beyond. Locals and visitors alike use it as a navigational landmark. (Honestly, you can’t miss it.) The building’s fame stretches far beyond the five boroughs—it’s a cultural icon for the whole world.
Key Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Latitude & Longitude | 40.7484° N, 73.9857° W |
| Street Address | 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118 |
| Construction Period | March 1930 – May 1931 |
| Architectural Style | Art Deco |
| Floors | 102 |
| Elevators | 73 |
| Office Space | 200,500 m² (2,158,000 sq ft) |
| Ownership | Empire State Realty Trust |
Interesting Background
The term “Empire State” popped up when people compared New York’s booming economy to global empires. George Washington even got credit for popularizing it after praising the state’s strategic and economic power. The nickname returned on license plates between 1951 and the mid-1960s, then again after 2001, cementing its place in regional pride.
Construction kicked off on Saint Patrick’s Day 1930. Workers built it at a blistering pace—4.5 floors per week—with 3,400 laborers earning $15 a day. Amazingly, only five fatalities occurred during the project, which was shockingly low for the era. The building’s steel skeleton could sway up to 30 cm (12 in) in strong winds, a feature that foreshadowed modern damping systems.
Practical Information
- Hours: Open every day, 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM (last elevator up at 1:15 AM).
- Tickets (as of 2026):
Observation Deck Adult Child (6–12) Senior (62+) 86th Floor $44 $37 $42 102nd Floor (with 86th) $78 $71 $76 Sunrise Session (86th) $118 $112 $116 - Access: Take the subway to 34 St–Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W) or 5 Av/34 St (6, N, Q, R, W). All floors are reachable via wheelchair-accessible elevators.
- Views & Exhibits: The 80th-floor Dare to Dream exhibit walks you through the building’s history. Up top, the 102nd-floor open-air deck delivers 80-mile sightlines on clear days.
- Safety Note: As of 2026, the building meets modern NYC codes with reinforced stairwells and fireproofing rated for two hours.
Architectural Significance
When it opened in 1931, it held the title of world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years. The sleek, geometric lines of its Art Deco style still feel fresh today. (Honestly, it’s one of the most recognizable skyscrapers ever built.) The building’s record-setting construction—just 410 days from start to finish—proved steel and ambition could defy gravity (and deadlines).
Cultural Impact
Think of the classic 1933 movie King Kong, where the giant ape famously climbs the tower. Or later cameos in Sleepless in Seattle and An Affair to Remember. The skyline shot with the Empire State Building in the background has become shorthand for “New York City” itself. Even today, it pops up in everything from Spider-Man comics to Call of Duty maps. That’s cultural staying power.
Construction Milestones
Workers set a blistering pace—one floor every two days at its peak. The building’s steel frame rose so fast that visitors could literally watch it grow week by week. By May 1, 1931, it was finished. That’s less than 14 months from start to finish. (Try beating that schedule today.) The project employed 3,400 workers, many of them immigrants chasing the American Dream. Five lives were lost during construction, a tragic but comparatively low number for such a massive project.
Observation Decks
On a clear day, you can spot up to 80 miles away from the 102nd floor. The 86th floor deck is enclosed but still open-air in feel, while the 102nd floor deck is completely exposed to the elements. (Don’t visit on a windy day unless you like being blown around.) Both decks offer unbeatable photo ops, especially at sunset when the city lights start twinkling. The 80th-floor Dare to Dream exhibit gives you the backstory on how this beast was built.
Nearby Landmarks
Bryant Park sits just a few blocks away and is perfect for a quick break. Macy’s flagship store on Herald Square is a retail landmark in its own right. Head west a bit, and you’ll hit Koreatown, packed with great food and shopping. The area’s a tourist hotspot, so you won’t run out of things to do. (Bring comfy shoes—you’ll be walking a lot.)
Visiting Tips
Avoid the midday rush if you can—lines get brutal. Sunrise sessions are pricier but worth it for the empty-deck photos. If you’re on a budget, the 86th-floor deck alone gives you most of the experience. Wear layers, because it’s windy up top even in summer. (Trust me, you’ll regret wearing a tank top.) Pro tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Koreatown for a full NYC day.
Photography Spots
For a unique angle, try the elevated park on 34th Street’s west side. The building’s base makes for dramatic foreground shots. At night, the Art Deco lighting turns it into a glowing beacon. (Your Instagram feed will thank you.) Early morning or blue hour shots avoid the crowds and give you that perfect soft light.
Weather Considerations
Fog can roll in fast, especially in spring and fall, and ruin your sightlines. Winter winds howl up there—bundle up if you’re braving the 102nd floor. Summer humidity makes the climb feel steeper, but the city views stay stunning. Check the forecast before you go; sometimes the deck closes due to high winds or storms. (Better safe than sorry.)
Historical Events
In 1945, a military plane crashed into the 79th floor, killing 14 people. The building stayed standing, proving its resilience. Over the years, it’s hosted everything from press conferences to charity climbs. (Yes, people actually race up the stairs for fun.) It’s been a silent witness to decades of New York history.
Sustainability Efforts
Retrofits include smart lighting, upgraded insulation, and tenant energy management systems. The building slashed its energy use by nearly 40% since 2009. (That’s not just good for the planet—it’s good for the wallet.) Solar panels and rainwater harvesting add to its eco-friendly profile. Honestly, this is one of the greenest skyscrapers in the city.
Fun Facts
That’s right—10118 is exclusively for the Empire State Building. The tower lights up in different colors for holidays and events. (Blue and white for Hanukkah, green for St. Patrick’s Day, red and green for Christmas.) The annual race to the top draws thousands of competitors. (Yes, they run up 102 floors.) And get this: It was originally designed to dock dirigibles on its mooring mast. (Spoiler: That idea flopped spectacularly.)
