Empire State Building

The Empire State Building stands on a site that was first a farm in the late 18th century and then occupied by the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the late 19th century. Construction began on the building in 1930 and it was completed in 1931.

The design of the building is Art Deco and was the tallest building in the city until the construction of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. After the tragedy of the World Trade Center in 2001, it regained its position as the tallest building in the city. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

After its completion, the grandchildren of Al Smith, a former governor of New York, cut the ceremonial ribbon and President Herbert Hoover turned on the building's light from Washington, D. C.

The building has 102 floors with both indoor and outdoor observation towers on the 86th floor and 102nd floors. The view from the Observatory is a 360-degree view of the city.

Floodlights were added in 1964 to the top of the building. It is bathed in light every night. But, on special occasions the lights take on a different meaning. When Frank Sinatra died, the building was illuminated in blue lights to represent his nickname. When a New York City sports team is at home, the building is illuminated with the team's colors. Other special lighting occasions have included the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. There is a standard lighting schedule such as green on St. Patrick's Day and red, white, and blue on the 4th of July. Other holidays during the year have special colors.

The spire of the Empire State Building can be seen from any place in the city. If you plan to visit the Observatory, you may want to consider buying a New York City Pass so you can bypass the long lines. The best place to observe the view of the city is on the 86th floor. The Observation Deck on the 102nd floor is enclosed and small. It can get cramped. It is best to visit on a clear day.

More than three million people visit this historic landmark each year. You will certainly want to put it on your list of attractions when you visit New York City. 

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