Chrysler Building Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to New York City Historical Sites
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Chrysler Building stands as one of New York City’s most celebrated landmarks, admired worldwide for its Art Deco architecture, history, and cultural significance. Commissioned by industrialist Walter P. Chrysler and designed by William Van Alen, the building was completed in 1930 and briefly held the title of the world’s tallest building. Its stainless steel spire, intricate ornamentation, and automotive motifs have made it a symbol of American modernity and ambition (Village Preservation; archeyes.com). This guide provides comprehensive information for visitors, including current visiting hours, ticket policies, accessibility, travel advice, architectural highlights, and the building’s enduring legacy.
Contents
- Historical Overview
- Visiting the Chrysler Building: Hours, Tickets, and Tips
- Architectural Highlights
- Visitor Experience and Practical Information
- Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion & Call to Action
- References
Historical Overview
Origins and Construction
The Chrysler Building emerged during the late 1920s, an era of economic optimism and architectural rivalry in New York. Walter P. Chrysler envisioned a skyscraper that would serve as a testament to the automotive industry and his personal legacy. The site at 405 Lexington Avenue, owned by Cooper Union, provided a historic foundation for the ambitious project (Village Preservation).
The building’s construction unfolded amidst a dramatic skyscraper race, notably against 40 Wall Street. Architect William Van Alen secretly assembled a 185-foot spire inside the building, only to hoist it into place in October 1929, securing its brief status as the world’s tallest building at 1,046 feet (318.9 meters) (Smithsonian Magazine). This engineering feat helped the Chrysler Building surpass the Eiffel Tower and left an indelible mark on New York’s skyline.
Architectural Significance
The Chrysler Building is revered as an Art Deco masterpiece, characterized by its geometric forms, lavish ornamentation, and the innovative use of modern materials. Its stainless steel crown, hubcap and eagle gargoyles, and decorative brickwork reflect both the aesthetics of the era and Chrysler’s automotive legacy (archeyes.com; artfilemagazine.com). The lobby, adorned with exotic marbles, chrome, and the mural “Transport and Human Endeavor” by Edward Trumbull, is considered one of the finest Art Deco interiors in the world (tripsavvy.com).
Legacy and Preservation
Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a New York City Landmark in 1978, the Chrysler Building has undergone restoration to preserve its exterior and interior artistry. Its influence is felt in architectural circles globally, and it consistently ranks among the most beloved skyscrapers in public and professional surveys (Klook; Tourist Secrets).
Visiting the Chrysler Building: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Visiting Hours
- Lobby Access: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm (closed weekends and federal holidays) (Tour by Transit).
- Observation Deck: The original “Celestial” observation deck on the 71st floor closed in 1945. As of June 2025, a new public observation deck on the 61st floor is planned but not yet open (Loving New York).
Ticket Information
- Admission: Free for lobby access; no tickets required.
- Tours: No official interior tours. However, many Midtown Manhattan walking tours include the Chrysler Building exterior as a highlight (Sesamo Restaurant).
Accessibility
- The lobby is wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve office tenants only; no public restrooms are available.
- For specific accessibility needs, contact building management prior to your visit (Klook).
Architectural Highlights
Exterior Features
- Spire & Crown: The seven radiating terraced arches of the crown, clad in stainless steel, create a sunburst effect and are illuminated at night (archeyes.com).
- Automotive Motifs: Eagle gargoyles (inspired by car hood ornaments) on the 61st floor and radiator cap replicas on the 31st floor celebrate the building’s automotive heritage (artfilemagazine.com; nycity.media).
- Brickwork: The world’s tallest brick building, the Chrysler Building’s steel frame is clad in white brick, contrasting beautifully with its metallic ornamentation (thetowerinfo.com).
Interior Splendor
- Lobby: The only publicly accessible space features marble from around the world, custom elevator doors with Art Deco motifs, and a monumental ceiling mural (tripsavvy.com).
- Historic Spaces: The former Cloud Club (private dining, 66th–68th floors) and observation deck (71st floor) are closed to the public but central to the building’s lore (thetowerinfo.com).
Visitor Experience and Practical Information
Location & Directions
- Address: 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10174 (Tour by Transit)
- Access: Steps from Grand Central Terminal (subway lines 4, 5, 6, 7, S), and close to multiple bus routes (Free Tours by Foot).
Visitor Tips
- Best Photo Spots: Tudor City Overpass, Lexington Ave & 42nd St, and Bryant Park provide excellent views of the illuminated crown (Tour by Transit).
- Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are less crowded for lobby visits.
- Etiquette: Remain near the lobby’s perimeter, avoid disrupting office tenants, and respect building security protocols.
- Photography: Allowed in the lobby (videos generally not permitted).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Access: Lobby is accessible; elevators are for office tenants only.
- Restrooms: Not available to the public.
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
- Grand Central Terminal: Architectural marvel and transit hub, just steps away.
- Bryant Park & New York Public Library: Both within a 10-minute walk.
- Empire State Building: Approximately a 12-minute walk; another historic skyscraper with an open observation deck.
- Rockefeller Center and MoMA: Reachable within 15–18 minutes on foot.
- Dining & Shopping: Fifth Avenue boutiques, Times Square entertainment, and Midtown restaurants are all close by (Sesamo Restaurant).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I visit the Chrysler Building observation deck?
No, the observation deck is currently closed. Plans for a new deck exist, but no opening date is confirmed (Loving New York).
Is there an admission fee?
No, entry to the lobby is free.
Are guided tours available inside?
No official interior tours, but many walking tours feature the building’s exterior.
Is the lobby wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the lobby is accessible. Contact management for specific needs.
What are the best times to visit?
Weekday mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.
How do I get to the Chrysler Building?
Closest subway: Grand Central–42nd Street (4, 5, 6, 7, S lines). Numerous bus routes serve the area (Tour by Transit).
Conclusion
The Chrysler Building remains a shining symbol of New York City’s architectural innovation and the optimism of the Jazz Age. While public access is limited to the lobby, its Art Deco splendor, dramatic silhouette, and rich history are accessible to all who pass through Midtown Manhattan. Whether you’re pausing for a photo, exploring the lobby’s marble artistry, or using it as a starting point for a day of sightseeing, the Chrysler Building offers an experience unlike any other.
Call to Action
Enhance your exploration of New York’s architectural treasures! Download the Audiala app for immersive audio tours, up-to-date information on visiting hours, and curated guides to the city’s landmarks. Connect with us on social media for the latest updates, travel tips, and exclusive content about the Chrysler Building and beyond.
For the most current details on observation deck developments, lobby hours, and special events, visit the official Chrysler Building website or trusted NYC tourism resources.
References
- Village Preservation
- archeyes.com
- thetowerinfo.com
- Tour by Transit
- Introducing New York
- facts.net
- tripsavvy.com
- Loving New York
- Klook
- Smithsonian Magazine
- Sesamo Restaurant
- artfilemagazine.com
- nycity.media
- Tourist Secrets
- Piccola New Yorker
- Hello New York
- Responsible New York
- Free Tours by Foot
- American History
- Tallest Building
- Buildings DB
