WILLIAM VAN ALEN | Chrysler Building
New York City, NY - United States
ADDRESS:
405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174
ACCESS:
Limited: The building is only accessible to workers and their guests, however you can enter the main lobby on Lexington St which is well worth seeing.
The Chrysler Building, designed by architect William Van Alen, is an iconic example of Art Deco architecture that reflects the optimism and industrial spirit of early 20th-century New York. Completed in 1930, it was briefly the tallest building in the world and remains a standout in the Manhattan skyline. Its design is characterized by strong vertical lines, a sleek steel crown, and tiered arches that create a sense of motion and modernity. The spire, secretly assembled inside the tower before being hoisted into place, added dramatic height and architectural drama. The ornamentation draws heavily from automotive motifs, a nod to the Chrysler Corporation, with details like hubcap-inspired elements and radiator cap eagles. Inside, the lobby showcases rich materials like marble and onyx, continuing the building’s commitment to elegance and innovation. Van Alen’s work on the Chrysler Building embodies a fusion of artistic ambition and technical prowess rarely matched in skyscraper design.
DESCRIPTION:
The marble mural lobby can also be seen in Matthew Barney's Cremaster 3. Many of the Chrysler Buildings ornament were references to automotive hood ornaments and hubcaps. The crown was build inside the tower and hoisted into place in less than 2 hours as a surprise reveal. Van Alen was famously not paid for his work on the building and the legal battle that followed after made it challenging for Van Alen to find work after.
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