You’ve read it on every “must do in New York” list. You’ve seen it in King Kong and countless other movies. It offers one of the best views of New York and if you’ve ever been to the Big Apple, you’ve definitely seen it.
It’s a symbol of the city itself that really needs no introduction – the Empire State Building.
But did you know that this historic landmark was the first building with over 100 floors and is the world’s most photographed building?
Keep reading for more interesting facts about the Empire State Building!
Table of Contents
1. It was designed in less than two weeks
Designed by architect William F. Lamb of the firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, Lamb designed the building from the top down, which informed its distinctive shape.
The building was part of the “Race into the Sky,” when several building projects were conceived to become the world’s tallest building. The Chrysler Building won the race in 1930, but its crown was taken by the Empire State Building a mere 11 months later.
The Empire State Building would hold the title “tallest building in the world” for nearly 40 years.
2. Construction workers had to pass a special test before being allowed to work on the Empire State Building
Technology being what it was back in 1930, workers had to pass a physical aptitude test before they were hired on to work on the Empire State Building. This included climbing a 15 ft column, walking across a narrow column, and sliding down the opposite column.
Certainly enough people passed the test – some 3,400 workers labored day and night to build the Empire State Building in a whopping 1 year in 45 days.
3. There were some unusual safety requirements while building the Empire State Building
These included:
- Discouraging the use of ladders in favor of using the stairs
- Protecting all shafts with wire mesh
- Paying special attention to prevent the throwing of rivets which, from the heights they were working from, would mean death if they hit someone below
4. King Kong wasn’t the first movie to show the Empire State Building
As far as I can tell, the first appearance of the Empire State Building was in the opening scene of Street Scene (1931). It was also featured in Manhattan Tower (1932), albeit under a different name.
King Kong (1933), however, was the first iconic movie to feature the Empire State Building, and arguably, its depiction is the most enduring. A photo with King Kong is even one of the photo options available for purchase when you visit the building!
Speaking of movies, while the Empire State Building has been featured in countless movies, it starred only once, in Andy Warhol’s 1965 film Empire. The movie, which lasts over 8 hours, shows the building at night, with no narration or action. It was included in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2004.
What are some of the best movies set in New York City? Check out my picks here!
5. The spire was originally meant to be a mooring station for airships
High winds and the airships’ need for a large ground crew made this plan impractical and it was eventually abandoned.
Nevertheless, one airship did manage to dock at the Empire State Building, in 1931. Even jaded New Yorkers stopped and stared while the pilot tried docking the ship in 40-mile-per-hour winds. He succeeded and the ship was docked for three minutes.
Want to find out more about airships and their place in the History of Flight? Check out my article here!
6. A plane once crashed into the building
Most people have seen the tragic images of planes crashing into the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, but it wasn’t the first time a building in New York was struck by a plane (nor would it be the last).
On July 25, 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building between the 78the and 80th floors. 14 people lost their lives. There was no major structural damage, however, and the building re-opened just two days later.
7. It could have been even taller
The Empire State Building is 1,454 ft (443 m) with its spire and antenna; without it, the tower measures 1,250 ft (380 m). But it could have been even taller.
Back in the early 1970s, proposals were made to add another 11 stories to the Empire State Building so that it could keep its title as the world’s tallest building – a title it had just lost to the Twin Towers. The plan would have given the Empire State Building a total of 113 stories and a height of 1,494 ft. Opposition to the plan meant that it never came to fruition.
8. The building moves in the wind
In high winds, the Empire State Building moves around 1.48 inches (3.76 cm).
9. There’s an annual race to the 86th floor
Each year, participants race up 1,576 stairs during the Empire State Building Run-Up. They climb some 1,050 ft during the race.
The current record holder is Australia’s Paul Crake, who completed the race in a staggering 9 minutes 33 seconds back in 2003.
Germany’s Thomas Dold holds the record for the most race victories, with 7 wins.
10. Its famed lighting system can produce more than 16 million colors
The Empire State Building lights up every night, but the colors change for special occasions, holidays, and important causes.
The first special lighting event took place in 1932 to celebrate Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential victory. (Roosevelt had been governor of New York.)
The new LED lighting system was installed in 2012.
How to visit the Empire State Building
Location and how to get there
Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
The entrance to the observatory is on the north side, on 34th street, towards the west end of the building.
The closest subway stops are:
- B, D, F, M (orange lines), N, Q, R, W (yellow lines) to 34th St-Herald Sq (get out at 34th street exit and head east)
- 1, 2, 3 (red lines) to 34th St-Penn Station (get out at 34th street exit and head east)
- 6 (green line) to 33rd St (one you get out, head north one block to 34th Street, then head west)
Opening times
Typically 9:00am or 10:00am to 10:00pm daily, but hours vary. Be sure to check the website for the most accurate times.
You must reserve a timeslot to visit the Empire State Building.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices vary depending on what kind of experience. The most basic ticket provides access to the 86th floor observatory:
$44 for Adults
$42 for Seniors
$38 for Children
Ticket prices increase from there.
For most up-to-date prices, be sure to check out the website.
The Empire State Building is one of the attractions included in the New York CityPass and the New York Pass.
Other important information
Reservations are required. You must reserve a timeslot to visit the Empire State Building.
You will need to go through security once you enter the building.
Want to get a sunset view of New York from the Empire State Building? Unsurprisingly, sunset is one of the most popular times to visit. I recommend booking your timeslot about an hour or so before sunset.
Once you’re in the building, you can linger as long as you want. Take some time to go through the interactive exhibit that talks about the history of the Empire State Building and its cultural impact. Then head to the observation desks as the sun is setting for those oh-so-perfect photos.
Want to discover more fun facts about other New York City buildings? Check 10 fascinating facts about:
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