Standing proudly in the heart of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is a skyscraper that represents American ingenuity, ambition, and the enduring spirit of New York City. From its lightning-fast construction during the Great Depression to its starring role in countless films, this architectural marvel has shaped both the city's skyline and its cultural identity for nearly a century.
Timeline: From Dream to Icon
- 1929: Planning begins during the "Race to the Sky" competition
- March 17, 1930: Construction starts
- April 11, 1930: First steel column installed
- September 1930: Building reaches 40 stories
- November 1930: Building reaches 80 stories
- March 1931: Construction of the main tower completed
- May 1, 1931: President Hoover officially opens the building
- 1933: King Kong debuts, featuring the building's first major film appearance
- 1945: B-25 bomber accidentally crashes into the 79th floor
- 1950-1970: Serves as NYC's leading tourist attraction
- 1981: Designated as a National Historic Landmark
- 2009: Major sustainability renovation project begins
- 2019: Newly reimagined visitor experience unveiled
The Race to the Sky: Construction of an Icon
When construction began in 1930, few could have predicted that the Empire State Building would become the world's most famous skyscraper. The project emerged during a fierce competition among New York's elite to build the world's tallest building — a race that would literally reshape the city's skyline.
What made the building's construction even more remarkable was its unprecedented speed and efficiency. Workers completed the 102-story structure in just 410 days, finishing ahead of schedule and under budget — an architectural and engineering feat that seems almost impossible even by today's standards. At its peak, the construction site buzzed with over 3,400 workers, many of whom were Mohawk ironworkers renowned for their fearlessness at extreme heights and ability to maintain balance even when powerful gusts of wind buffeted the steel beams.
The human stories behind the construction are equally fascinating. Workers would heat their lunches by placing tin boxes on recently riveted steel beams, creating what might have been the world's highest lunch counter. Despite the dangerous conditions and dizzying heights, the project saw remarkably few accidents thanks to rigorous safety measures that were revolutionary for their time.
A Cultural Icon Takes Shape
Since its completion in 1931, the Empire State Building has transcended its role as an office building to become a cultural touchstone. Its debut on the silver screen in 1933's "King Kong" marked the beginning of a long love affair with Hollywood. The dramatic scene of Kong scaling the building's facade has become one of cinema's most enduring images, cementing both the film and the building in popular culture.
But it wasn't just Kong who fell for the Empire State Building. The skyscraper has played a pivotal role in countless films, from the tear-jerking reunion scene in "Sleepless in Seattle" to appearances in "An Affair to Remember" and "Elf." Each appearance has added new layers to the building's mystique, transforming it from an architectural achievement into a symbol of romance, ambition, and the magic of New York City.
Leading the Way in Sustainability and Innovation
Today's Empire State Building represents how historic landmarks can embrace modern environmental responsibility. The building underwent a groundbreaking $550 million sustainability retrofit that transformed it into one of the most environmentally friendly historic buildings in the world. Key improvements include:
- Installation of state-of-the-art window technology, upgrading all 6,514 windows
- Implementation of a building-wide energy management system
- Modernization of the building's cooling system
- Installation of LED lighting throughout the structure
- Creation of tenant energy management systems
These renovations reduced energy consumption by 40% and cut annual carbon emissions by 105,000 metric tons, proving that even a 90-year-old icon can lead the way in green building practices.
The Reimagined Visitor Experience
In 2019, the Empire State Building revolutionized how visitors interact with this historic city landmark, simply adding to the several reasons why you should visit New York City. The new galleries feature immersive exhibits about the famous building's construction, sustainability initiatives, and cultural impact.
The reimagined experience spans multiple floors and includes a stunning "Kong" exhibit featuring the giant ape's eyes peering through authentic 1930s-style windows, an opportunity to step into a recreation of the original building's opulent Art Deco lobby, and interactive exhibits that bring the construction process to life. You can explore a meticulously detailed recreation of a 1930s construction site office, complete with period-accurate tools, blueprints, and photographs, while digital screens showcase the building techniques that made this architectural wonder possible.
Your Gateway to New York's History
Planning to experience this architectural marvel firsthand? New York CityPASS® tickets offer the perfect way to visit the Empire State Building along with other iconic New York City attractions.
With a CityPASS® ticket, you'll save on admission while enjoying priority entry to the building's fascinating exhibits and breathtaking observatories. Make the Empire State Building the centerpiece of your New York adventure, whether you're planning three days in New York City or exploring the history of New York's most iconic landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story behind the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building was constructed during the Great Depression as part of a competition to build the world's tallest building. It was completed in just 410 days and opened in 1931, symbolizing American resilience and ingenuity during challenging times.
What are five facts about the Empire State Building?
- It held the title of "world's tallest skyscraper" for nearly 40 years. It was surpassed in height by the World Trade Center's North Tower in 1970.
- Construction was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
- The building has 102 stories and stands 1,454 feet tall.
- Its famous lights can display over 16 million colors.
- The building was designed and built in just 20 months.
How was the Empire State Building built so fast?
The remarkable speed of construction was achieved through innovative assembly-line-style construction methods, careful planning, and the coordination of multiple teams working simultaneously. Materials were delivered just in time to be used, and standardized processes helped workers complete up to four floors per week.
Who owns the Empire State Building today?
The Empire State Building is owned by Empire State Realty Trust, a publicly traded company that manages various commercial properties in the New York metropolitan area.
New York City Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in New York City, we recommend finding lodging near New York City's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comHeader Image Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust