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What has not been said about the Empire State Building. This tall symbolic structure of the city is located on Fifth Avenue and has pierced the New York sky since 1931. At the end of construction, with a height of 1250 feet (381 meters) or 1454 feet (443 meters) if we include the antenna, it was the tallest building and it maintained the record for the most dizzying construction in the world for almost 40 years. It is likely that the construction of the nearby Chrysler Building, which took place relatively at the same time, brought a certain amount of competition and a desire to excel.

Built in a record time of one year and 45 days, the pace of assembly is astonishing and estimated at 4 and a half floors per week. Considering the technology of the time, this construction time is phenomenal but as some historical images show, safety standards on work sites were not the same as today. The men assigned to work at such height had been judiciously chosen for this delicate task which was not without risk and, in addition, often operated without safety harnesses. Five (5) people unfortunately lost their lives during construction.

From Washington, D.C., President Hoover participated in the official opening by remotely operating the lights on May 1, 1931. The illumination of the city’s skyscrapers gives it a unique signature and the Empire State Building participated since the beginning. The lighting was improved in the 1970s, and again in 2012, to amaze more. Attention is drawn to the exterior architectural beauties, enhancing the upper part and the spire with an impressive light play system creating millions of possible color combinations. Over the course of the days and events, the illumination varies in color and theme. You can follow the planned displays on the following website: https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights.

The Empire State Building is less known for its office tower but is more known for its observatory floors. It is a highly coveted option for a superb panoramic view of the city and one of the most beautiful. In all honesty, there are four levels of observation. Three observation levels: the 80th floor has smaller windows but includes historical elements of interest to know about the site; the 86th floor (1,050 feet (320 meters) offers an outdoor terrace for an incredible 360-degree view; the 102nd floor (1,250 feet (381 meters) for a panoramic view also but this time from the inside with full height windows and finally, the 103rd floor offers a terrace with a lower bodyguard reserved to a restricted public.

To access the 102nd floor you have the option on foot by climbing the 1860 steps or one of the many elevators. Did you know that since 1978, an annual race has been organized: The Empire State Building Annual Run-Up gives the opportunity to reach the 86th floor (1576 steps) as quickly as possible.

If you have the chance to visit, notice the ceiling of the entrance hall. The fresco presents an impressive starry sky.

It is said that the mast or boom at the top of the building was originally designed so that airships passing through the region could attach to it. However, the high wind factor would have prevented the project to move forward if it had continued.

As part of the history of the building, in 1945, while the city was covered in thick fog, a Bombardier B-25 plane smashed into the structure at the 78th and 80th floors, killing members of the crew and certain occupants of the tower. Despite the impact of the explosion, the fire was brought under control in less than an hour and the structure was solid enough to allow the tower to reopen the unaffected floors two days after the incident.

Once you have seen the Empire State Building, you will recognize it almost everywhere, including in films, the first of which was King Kong in 1933.

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