An Art-Deco Architecture Tour Of New York City

An art-deco architecture tour of NYC will take you past some of most famous examples of the style in the world. Some stand out – the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, for example – but there’s no shortage of art-deco buildings in New York. To help you on your architectural odyssey, here’s our guide.

Interested in discovering New York’s art on ground level? Check out this minibreak, which combines art-showcasing experiences and a vibrant hotel.

1. The Chrysler Building

Building

Built by architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building was completed in 1930 and remained the tallest building in the world until the record was surpassed by the Empire State Building 11 months later. Currently, it is the fifth tallest building in New York at 1,046ft (319m), including the spire, and has 77 floors. The top of the building is easily recognizable as classic art deco.

2. Rockefeller Center

Building, Cathedral, Park

The Rockefeller Center comprises 19 buildings in Midtown Manhattan. The 14 original buildings in the center were built in the 1930s in the art deco style, while the remaining five buildings followed later with more modern architectural features. The complex is a popular tourist destination as well as the spot for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony that is broadcast live across US networks. It also has an observation deck called Top of the Rock, which offers a 360-degree view over the city from the 70th floor.

4. 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Building

The main building of the Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza is a 70-floor-high skyscraper that serves as the headquarters of NBC Universal, housing numerous studios including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night With Seth Meyers, and Saturday Night Live. It is often colloquially referred to as 30 Rock, which is also the name of the TV show that takes place in the venue.

5. Empire State Building

Building

An essential part of the New York City skyline, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931, making it the tallest building in the world until 1970 when the North Tower of the World Trade Center surpassed the record. The building was designed from the top down in two weeks by architect William F Lamb and has been designated one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Visitors have the option to go up to the outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor or the indoor observatory on the 102nd floor. Both places have been featured in several notable films including An Affair to Remember (1957) and Sleepless in Seattle(1993).

6. The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel

Chain Hotel, Hotel

Entrance Lobby reception area at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, 8th Avenue, New York City, United States of America.

The New Yorker, operated by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, opened in 1930 and was designed by architects Sugarman and Berger. At the time of the opening, the hotel had around 2,500 rooms and five restaurants (it now has about 1,000 rooms). It has also been home to renowned figures such as Nikola Tesla and was a popular destination for the rich and famous, from the Brooklyn Dodgers to Muhammad Ali. At one time, it was owned and operated by Hilton Hotels. Currently, the owner is the Unification Church of the United States.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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