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Culture & Lifestyle • Landmark

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, completed in 1930 and designed by William Van Alen for Walter P.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, completed in 1930 and designed by William Van Alen for Walter P. Chrysler. It briefly held the title of the world’s tallest building before being surpassed in 1931, and it remains one of the best-known landmarks on the Manhattan skyline.

History

The Chrysler Building was developed during Manhattan’s late-1920s skyscraper boom and completed in 1930. It was built between 1928 and 1930 and opened in 1930. It briefly held the world height record before losing it in 1931.

Architecture

Designed by William Van Alen, the building is widely regarded as a defining Art Deco skyscraper. Its tapering form, stainless-steel crown, and ornamentation make it one of the best-known examples of the style. The building features a distinctive stainless-steel spire and decorative automobile-themed details.

Landmark status

The building has been recognized as a historic landmark in the United States since 1976. It remains an important part of New York City’s architectural heritage.

Cultural significance

The Chrysler Building is frequently described as one of the most admired and photographed skyscrapers in New York City. It is often cited as an iconic example of Art Deco architecture. Its profile is a lasting symbol of the city’s early-20th-century skyline.

Key facts

  • Located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
  • Built between 1928 and 1930 and opened in 1930.
  • Briefly became the world’s tallest building before the Empire State Building surpassed it in 1931.
  • Often cited as an iconic example of Art Deco architecture.
  • Features a distinctive stainless-steel spire and decorative automobile-themed details.
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Canadian context

The Chrysler Building is widely known to Canadian readers as one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City and a classic example of North American Art Deco architecture.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Chrysler Building located?
It is at 405 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, near 42nd Street.
Who designed the Chrysler Building?
It was designed by architect William Van Alen.
When was the Chrysler Building completed?
It was completed in 1930.
How tall is the Chrysler Building?
It is 1,046 feet (319 m) tall.
Was the Chrysler Building ever the tallest building in the world?
Yes. It was briefly the world’s tallest building before the Empire State Building surpassed it in 1931.
What style is the Chrysler Building?
It is an Art Deco skyscraper.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Building
    Supports: Location, height, completion date, style, and brief period as world’s tallest building.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Chrysler-Building
    Supports: Designer, construction period, Art Deco significance, original commissioner, and world-height record.
  3. PBShttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/chrysler.html
    Supports: Height, stories, completion date, materials, and architectural significance.
  4. NYC Odysseyhttps://www.nycodyssey.com/landmarks/chrysler-building
    Supports: Address, completion date, height, floors, and historic landmark designation.