The Chrysler Building’s Art Deco Lobby

New York City – August 26, 2011: Interior lobby of the Chrysler Building. Copyright: sepavo / 123RF Stock Photo

Most people are familiar with the exterior of the Chrysler Building, with its Art Deco design and iconic terraced crown and spire, but did you know that the building’s lobby is also an Art Deco gem?

The lobby is the only part of the building open to the public, and it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. There is no fee to visit.

Keep in mind that the Chrysler Building still an office building and many people go to and from  work there every day. You’ll have the best opportunity to quietly enjoy the lobby if you avoid the morning, lunchtime and evening rush hours.

 

Interior Architecture

Once inside the lobby, you’ll find red marble walls, marble floors, striking Art Deco light fixtures, and some very nice Art Deco elevator doors decorated in an abstract lotus pattern.

Chrysler Building

Don’t forget to look up while you’re visiting the lobby. There’s a spectacular mural by artist Edward Turnbull on the ceiling. The mural, entitled Transport and Human Endeavor, depicts various views of workers and machinery, buildings, airplanes, and other symbols of progress.

 

Exterior Architecture

The Chrysler Building is easily identifiable by the stepped tier crown and spire at the top of the tower. Eagle gargoyles decorate the building on the level below the crown.

When the Chrysler Building was constructed, it was the tallest building in New York City, but lost that claim when the Empire State Building was completed less than a year later.

 

Location

The Chrysler Building is located in Midtown Manhattan, near Grand Central Terminal.

The street address is 405 Lexington Avenue.

 

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