The Fame of the Chrysler Building
Towering with Art Deco brilliance in the heart of Manhattan, the Chrysler Building remains one of the most iconic and beloved skyscrapers in the world. Completed in 1930, it is a shining testament to the ambition, artistry, and innovation of early 20th-century architecture. With its distinctive spire, stainless steel ornamentation, and soaring height, the Chrysler Building has captured the imaginations of millions for nearly a century.
The Chrysler Building comprises 77 floors, with a total height (including its spire) of 1,046 feet (319 meters). While it was the tallest building in the world for a short time, it remains one of the tallest brick buildings ever constructed. Despite its age, it still ranks among the most impressive and enduring skyscrapers.
The Purpose of the Chrysler Building
Originally commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler, the founder of the Chrysler Corporation, the building was intended to serve as the company’s headquarters. Although Chrysler paid for the building out of his own pocket, he intended it as a personal legacy and a monument to American industry and ingenuity. While it no longer houses the Chrysler Corporation, the building continues to serve as a commercial office space, home to various businesses and professional firms.
So, why is the Chrysler Building so famous? Several factors contribute to its lasting allure. Firstly, it was briefly the tallest building in the world, overtaking the Eiffel Tower and later surpassed by the Empire State Building. But what truly makes it stand out is its exquisite Art Deco design. The building’s terraced crown, composed of seven radiating arches and clad in stainless steel, creates a gleaming, sunburst motif that defines the skyline. This aesthetic brilliance, combined with its historical significance and innovative construction methods, makes it a lasting symbol of New York City.
A Fun Fact about the Chrysler Building
One particularly fun and intriguing fact about the Chrysler Building involves its race to the top. During construction, there was intense competition with the Bank of Manhattan Building at 40 Wall Street to claim the title of the world’s tallest building. In a dramatic twist, architect William Van Alen secretly assembled the building’s spire inside the structure and hoisted it into place, securing the Chrysler Building’s victory in 1930. This surprise addition pushed the final height to 1,046 feet, astonishing competitors and spectators alike.
The Chrysler Building in Cinema
The Chrysler Building has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and pop culture references, often serving as a visual shorthand for New York City. Notable appearances include “Men in Black 3,” “Armageddon,” “Spider-Man,” “Independence Day,” and “Godzilla.” Its unique silhouette and dramatic design make it a favorite among filmmakers and cinematographers looking to evoke the magic of Manhattan.
Ownership of the Chrysler Building Today
As of recent reports, the ownership of the Chrysler Building is shared between Aby Rosen’s real estate firm RFR Holding and the Austrian company Signa Holding. In 2019, they purchased the building for $150 million, a relatively modest sum considering its historical and architectural value. The purchase price reflects both the age of the building and the financial realities of maintaining such a historic property in a modern business environment.
What Lies at the Top?
The top of the Chrysler Building, while inaccessible to the general public, holds an observation deck that was once open in the mid-20th century. The building’s crown, consisting of triangular vaulted windows, houses mechanical equipment today. There is no public observatory like that of the Empire State Building, though the top remains a subject of fascination and speculation. It is adorned with decorative metalwork and serves no residential or entertainment purpose.
The Meaning Behind the Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is more than just a name; it embodies the aspirations of an era. For Walter P. Chrysler, the building was a tribute to the automobile age, a celebration of American manufacturing and modernism. It represents a time when skyscrapers were more than mere office buildings; they were symbols of progress, strength, and optimism.
Animal Motifs: The Eagles of the Chrysler Building
One of the most recognizable features of the Chrysler Building is the series of metal eagle gargoyles perched on its corners. These stylized eagles, inspired by hood ornaments on Chrysler automobiles of the era, project outward and downward, giving the building a fierce, guardian-like appearance. They are not only decorative but also reinforce the building’s ties to the automotive industry and Art Deco aesthetics.
Photographic Legacy
The Chrysler Building has been captured by countless photographers, but one of the most iconic images was taken by Margaret Bourke-White. She famously photographed the building during its construction and from its heights, contributing to its mythos through her daring and artistic vision. Her photos helped to enshrine the building in the annals of American architecture and media.
Residential Space at the Top?
Is there an apartment at the top of the Chrysler Building? Contrary to some myths and rumors, there is no luxury apartment or private residence in the spire. The top of the building is dedicated to mechanical and utility functions. However, the mystique surrounding the building’s pinnacle has inspired fictional accounts and urban legends, adding to its allure.
The Chrysler Building stands as a majestic relic of a bygone era, a shining monument to the dreams and ambitions of the early 20th century. Its unique Art Deco design, coupled with its rich history, cinematic presence, and architectural innovations, ensures its place not just in the skyline of New York City, but in the cultural and artistic heritage of the world. From its hidden spire to its gleaming eagles, every detail tells a story of creativity, competition, and craftsmanship. As it continues to grace the Manhattan skyline, the Chrysler Building reminds us that architecture can be both functional and poetic, a true emblem of the city it calls home.
