Chrysler Building

Simply the most stunning art deco skyscraper in New York, with a magnificent lobby and walls of African marble and steel.

"Art Deco in France found its American equivalent in the design of the New York skyscrapers of the 1920s. The Chrysler Building ... was one of the most accomplished essays in the style". John Julius Norwich from The World Atlas of Architecture.

Although not the tallest skyscraper, the summit of the Chrysler Building is arguably the prettiest, rising like a fairytale tower between its more stalwart brothers. When the sun hits its intricate steel pinnacle and spear-like point its sparkle rivals the Tiffany diamonds on Fifth Avenue.

Commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler, the American automotive industry executive, architect William van Alen used over 20,000 tons of structural steel to create the 1,046 feet tall Chrysler Building.

Part of the fierce race for the title of world's tallest building, it briefly won when it was completed in May 1930. Following an 11 month reign, however, it was surpassed by the Empire State Building standing at 1,454 feet.

Chrysler's main building is clad in a rather unremarkable white and grey brickwork. The external highlight is undoubtedly the spire and its accoutrements made from stainless steel. The intricate crown is comprised of triangular shapes in a sunburst pattern, which continue to sparkle at night when illuminated in white. Steel eagles, watch over the city at each corner while about halfway down automobile radiator caps decorate the lower corners.

Unlike the GE and Empire State buildings the Chrysler closed its public viewing deck, situated on the 71st floor, in 1945. Above this, the remaining six storeys of the building function as narrow landings for the stairway to the spire.

A monument solely to commerce and enterprise then, the building's other floors are home to an array of high profile businesses. While it's not possible to visit the upper floors without an employee pass, the lobby is accessible and lavishly decorated. The art-deco style is impressively weaved here in its rich blood-orange marble walls and polished caramel marble floor.

A mural, painted by Edward Trumbull on canvas and subsequently cemented to the ceiling, is said to be one of the world's largest. Featuring images of buildings, airplanes and the assembly line, it depicts toil and industry in praise of technical progress and perhaps the Chrysler's own builders.