Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. Designed by William Van Alen. Completed 1930. Briefly world’s tallest building (11 months until Empire State Building). Considered finest example of Art Deco architecture.
Design
319 meters (1,046 ft), 77 floors. Stainless steel spire with triangular windows. Terraced crown references Chrysler automobile grilles, radiator caps, wheels.
Art Deco ornamentation: Gargoyles modeled after 1929 Chrysler hood ornaments. Eagle sculptures at 61st floor (wingspan 10 feet). Lobby: Edward Trumbull ceiling mural “Energy, Result, Workmanship, Transportation” (largest in world at time).
Stainless steel spire: Constructed in secret inside building, hoisted into place in 90 minutes (1929). Prevented rival 40 Wall Street from claiming “tallest” title. Spire made building 125 feet taller than competitor.
Historical Significance
Tallest building race: Manhattan Bank Building (40 Wall St) claimed 927 ft. Chrysler Building’s secret spire (1,046 ft) surprised rival. Empire State Building (1,250 ft) surpassed both 11 months later (1931).
Walter Chrysler’s vanity project. Self-funded ($20M, ~$300M today). Never Chrysler Corporation HQ—Chrysler’s personal monument. Sold building 1947.
Ownership Changes
Never a commercial success: Prestige value > rental income. Chrysler sold 1953. Numerous owners. 2019: Purchased by RFR Realty + SIGNA Holding for $150M (down from $800M 2008 valuation). 2024: Austrian SIGNA collapsed, building future uncertain.
No public observation deck (unlike Empire State, Top of the Rock). Lobby accessible, but upper floors private offices.
Cultural Impact
Film icon: Men in Black (1997), Armageddon (1998), Spider-Man (2002), Independence Day (1996) aliens destroy it. Symbol of NYC resilience/glamour.
Architectural reverence: ArchDaily: “Most beautiful skyscraper in NYC.” Skyscraper Museum: “Epitome of the Machine Age.” Competed with Empire State for skyline supremacy.
NYC Landmark (1978), National Historic Landmark (1976).