It’s iconic, it’s towering, and it is a true symbol of the Big Apple. The Empire State Building (ESB) has captured imaginations since it first graced the skyline, becoming a beacon of architectural magnificence and cultural significance. Whether you’re drawn in by its history, fascinated by its design, or just want to impress your friends with some cool trivia, these 12 fun & interesting facts about the Empire State Building are sure to keep you in the know.
1. The Iconic Design: Inspired by a Pencil
The Empire State Building’s iconic look was crafted by architectural firm Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon. William Lamb, the leading architect of the undertaking, drew his inspiration from earlier works, such as the Carew Tower in Cincinnati and the Reynold’s Building in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He also looked to the shape of a pencil for inspiration, which is reflected in the building’s long, straight sides that taper to a point. This distinctive form perfectly aligns with its Art Deco style.
2. The Building’s Name: Rooted in NY History
The Empire State Building gets its name from New York’s nickname, "Empire State." While the precise origin of the nickname is unclear, one of its earliest documented mentions comes from a letter written by George Washington in 1785. In it, he praises New York's resilience during the American Revolution and calls it “the Seat of the Empire,” a phrase that reflects the state’s strength and prominence. This historic moniker eventually inspired the name of the iconic building.
3. Construction Speed: Finished in Just 410 Days
Contractors Starrett Brothers and Eken utilized innovative techniques in the ESB project such as prefabricated steel components and an assembly line process for quick construction. These innovations led to the skyscraper’s assembly time of a mere 410 days (20 months). In comparison, other skyscrapers like the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) took significantly longer, with construction spanning three years from groundbreaking to completion.
4. Tallest Structure: Holding the Title for 42 Years
When the Empire State Building was completed, it entered a fierce competition to claim the title of the world's tallest building. This iconic structure not only won the race but also held the record for over four decades. It eventually lost the title to the World Trade Center's North Tower in 1970.
So, exactly how tall is the empire state building in feet? It stands at an impressive height of 1,454 feet , including its antenna—or 443.2 meters in metric system terms. Today, it ranks among the top 100 tallest buildings in the world. Those are some fascinating figures!
5. Architectural Style: A Blend of Art Deco and Modernism
The Empire State Building is more than just a skyscraper—it’s a masterpiece of design. Its style captures the elegance of the Art Deco era, with sleek lines, bold geometric patterns, and intricate details that make it truly unforgettable. At the same time, it reflects modernism’s focus on practicality and innovation.
This amazing feat of architecture and efficiency has cemented its place as a timeless icon, bridging the glamor of the past with the progress of the future.
6. Elevators Galore: Over 70 for Efficient Access
The Empire State Building is equipped with 73 Otis elevators, an upgrade from the original 64 installed during its construction. Each elevator varies in size and services specific floors, with one traveling directly to the 80th floor. Together, they rely on an astonishing 1,172 miles of cable to operate.
The building also includes eight escalators, and its original design featured four express elevators connecting the lobby to key landings and the 80th-floor observation deck, ensuring efficient vertical travel throughout its towering height.
7. Observation Decks: A View of Five States
The Empire State Building offers two incredible observation decks, each providing high-tech telescopes and binoculars to take in the city and beyond.
The Top Deck, located on the 102nd floor, is an enclosed observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows that deliver breathtaking panoramic views. Meanwhile, the Main Deck on the 86th floor is a renowned open-air observatory, offering visitors a 360° view of the vibrant cityscape below. From the observation decks, you can glimpse the following states: New York (of course), Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
8. Pop Culture Icon: Featured in "King Kong" and More
The Empire State Building rose to fame in 1933 when King Kong’s climactic scene featured the giant primate scaling its heights as fighter planes swirled around him, creating one of cinema’s most iconic moments.
Its allure didn’t stop there—movies like An Affair to Remember, Superman II, and Elf have showcased its beauty, while TV shows like “Friends,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “Gossip Girl” have cemented its status as a cultural landmark. This rich screen presence has made it one of the most recognized buildings in the world, featured in over 250 TV shows and movies.
9. Unique Zip Code: An Uncommon Designation
The Empire State Building is so massive and important that it has its own zip code: 10118! There is nearly 2.9 million SF of rentable space. Prestigious tenants that have offices in the ESB include LinkedIn, Shutterstock, Booking Holdings, JCDecaux North America, and Skanska.
10. Illuminated Messages: Colors for Special Events
A signature of the New York City skyline since 1976, the Empire State Building's lights have fascinated people worldwide for decades. Ever wondered why the building is lit a specific color at night? The lights change colors throughout the year to honor significant events, holidays, and organizations.
In 2012, the building was upgraded to a cutting-edge LED lighting system that is capable of showcasing over 16 million colors. You can explore previous light shows on The Empire State Building (ESB) YouTube channel. Now you can get real-time alerts about the colors and their meanings on esbnyc.com! Text CONNECT to 27416 to stay updated and unlock insider details about ESB's iconic lights.
11. Annual Events: Running the Empire State Building
Can you believe one of the world’s tallest buildings hosts an annual race inside? It’s true—each year, the building hosts the Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU), a yearly race that challenges participants to climb 1,576 steps from the ground floor to the 86th floor. First held in 1978 and organized by NYCRUNS, this event attracts both runners and climbers. The current record of nine minutes and 33 seconds was set by Paul Crake in 2003, making it the time to beat for those daring enough to take on the challenge.
12. Photographic Fame: One of the Most Snapped Buildings
The Empire State Building is a popular subject for amateur and professional shutterbugs alike. In fact, a Cornell University study, backed by supercomputer analysis of millions of images, found that it’s one of the most photographed buildings in the world. For your own Instagram-worthy shots, consider popular vantage points like Top of the Rock, Madison Square Park, or street-level angles along Fifth Avenue to capture its majestic presence.
The observation decks also provide fantastic photo opportunities. From the 86th-floor open-air deck to the enclosed 102nd-floor Top Deck, visitors can capture unforgettable pictures with the stunning New York City skyline as their backdrop.
See the Empire State Building From the Hudson River
We hope you enjoyed our roundup of interesting and fun facts about the Empire State building! Meanwhile, there’s no better way to admire the Empire State Building than from the tranquil waters of the Hudson River. On a New York Harbor Tour, you’ll experience this architectural marvel from a unique vantage point, framed by the dazzling Manhattan skyline.
Watch as its towering spire reflects the city’s energy, standing as a timeless icon of New York’s ambition. Along the way, you’ll also catch breathtaking views of other landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Freedom Tower, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Empire State Building in all its grandeur from the water! Book your New York Harbor Tour today and see the Empire State Building like never before!
Book your Empire State Building boat tour today!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the famed Empire State Building
What 5 states can you see from the Empire State building?
You can see the following five states: Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and, of course, New York. Some say you can even see a sixth state: Delaware.
Who owns the Empire State Building?
It’s owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT), a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in properties throughout New York City.
What is the Empire State Building height?
The skyscraper reaches 1,454 feet, or 443.2 meters, if you include its antenna.
How many floors are in the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building has 103 floors, with 1,860 steps from street level to the 102-floor observation deck.
What is the Empire State Building used for?
The Empire State Building was originally constructed to house corporate business offices and, unofficially, to claim the title of the tallest building in the world. Office tenants now enjoy amenities like a 15,000-square-foot fitness center, 10,000 square feet of lounge space, and more. Today, the building continues to serve as office space while also being a major tourist attraction.
What is the Empire State Building made of?
The exterior of the Empire State Building is constructed using 200,000 cubic feet of Indiana limestone and granite, along with 10 million bricks and 730 tons of aluminum and stainless steel.
How much does the Empire State Building Weigh?
The Empire State Building weighs a whopping 365,000 tons and is constructed with 60,000 tons of steel and 10 million bricks.
How many elevators are in the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building is equipped with 73 elevators, an upgrade from the original 64 installed during its original build.
When was the Empire State Building built?
The Empire State Building was constructed between March 17, 1930, and April 11, 1931. It officially opened on May 1, 1931. This remarkable speed of construction allowed it to become the world's tallest building at the time, a title it held for over four decades.
Are there hotels near the Empire State Building?
There are several excellent hotels near the Empire State Building, including:
Avalon Hotel: Located in the heart of Midtown, this luxurious hotel is just a few steps away from the Empire State Building. It offers modern amenities, including free breakfast, WiFi, a fitness center, and exceptional service.
Hilton New York Times Square: Situated in the bustling Times Square area, this 4-star hotel provides panoramic views, a sky-level restaurant, and easy access to Broadway theaters and shopping.
The Hotel Chelsea: Located about 0.6 miles from the Empire State Building, this hotel offers concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
NobleDEN Hotel: Situated 1.6 miles away, this hotel provides free WiFi, a restaurant, and a comfortable stay in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy.
The Wallace Hotel: Located 1.8 miles from the Empire State Building, this hotel features concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi, and a bar.
Where is the empire state building located?
The address is 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001. You’ll find it in Midtown Manhattan.
How long did it take to build the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building was constructed in an astonishingly short period of just 20 months. During this time, up to 3,400 workers labored daily, achieving a rapid pace of assembling about four and a half floors per week. Remarkably, the project was finished ahead of schedule and below the planned budget.
What is the volume of the Empire State Building?
The ESB has an inside volume of 37 million cubic feet (1,000,000 cubic meters).
What is inside the Empire State Building?
According to Empire State Realty and Trust, the Empire State Building offers an impressive 65,000+ square feet of amenities designed to enhance convenience and lifestyle, including:
A 23,000-square-foot Starbucks Reserve for premium coffee experiences.
A 15,000-square-foot fitness club to support tenant wellness.
A private conference center located on the 67th floor.
A 10,000-square-foot Empire Lounge featuring a 400+ person all-hands space, a basketball and pickleball court, and two golf/VR simulators.
Seven on-site dining options, including Tacombi and STATE Grill and Bar.
Additionally, if you’re a tenant, you can enjoy The Campus perks. These amenities include a rooftop space with more than 150 capacity at 1333 Broadway. There’s also the town hall and lounge that can accommodate more than 250 people at 1400 Broadway.
How many people died building the Empire State Building?
Among the grim and interesting facts about the Empire State Building is the number of people who died while constructing it from 1930-31. Five workers perished, and that figure is a sobering reminder of the human cost behind such rapid and monumental achievements.