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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Culture & Lifestyle • Landmark

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

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

The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Completed in 1931, it became one of the world’s most famous landmarks and served as the world’s tallest building for 41 years. It remains a major office tower and tourist attraction with observation decks.

History

The Empire State Building was constructed between 1930 and 1931 during the Great Depression and opened in 1931. Sources describe the project as a rapid build completed in roughly one year and 45 days.

Architecture

The skyscraper is a prominent example of Art Deco design. It was planned as a steel-framed office tower and remains one of the best-known examples of early 20th-century skyscraper architecture.

Height and records

The building’s roof height is 1,250 feet, while its total height including the antenna is 1,454 feet. It was the tallest building in the world for about 41 years before being surpassed by the World Trade Center.

Cultural significance

The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most recognisable landmarks and has appeared in many films and television productions. Its visibility and observation decks have made it a major tourist destination. The building is a major North American landmark and a frequent reference point in Canadian media, travel, and popular culture; Canadian visitors to New York City often include it as a major sightseeing destination.

Key facts

  • Construction took about one year and 45 days, with completion in 1931.
  • The building was designed in the Art Deco style by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon.
  • It stood as the world’s tallest building until it was surpassed by the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 1970/1971.
  • The building is located on Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets in Manhattan.
  • The Empire State Building is widely recognized for its observation decks and frequent appearances in film and television.
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Canadian context

The Empire State Building is a major North American landmark and a frequent reference point in Canadian media, travel, and popular culture. Canadian visitors to New York City often include it as a major sightseeing destination.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Empire State Building completed?
It was completed in 1931.
How tall is the Empire State Building?
It is 1,250 feet tall to the roof and 1,454 feet tall including its antenna.
How many floors does it have?
It has 102 floors.
Where is the Empire State Building located?
It is on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, at 34th Street.
What style is the building?
It is an Art Deco skyscraper.
Was it once the tallest building in the world?
Yes. It held that title for 41 years before being surpassed by the World Trade Center.

References

  1. Empire State Buildinghttps://www.esbnyc.com/about/facts-figures
    Supports: Official facts on height and building statistics.
  2. CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/us/empire-state-building-fast-facts
    Supports: Location, floor count, height, and construction timeline.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Empire-State-Building
    Supports: Architects, style, location, completion date, and historical significance.
  4. PBShttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/empire_state.html
    Supports: Completion date, height, materials, and historical record as tallest building.
  5. Historyhttps://www.history.com/articles/10-surprising-facts-about-the-empire-state-building
    Supports: Opening date and height at dedication.
  6. Kiddlehttps://kids.kiddle.co/Empire_State_Building
    Supports: Named after New York's nickname and general landmark facts.