Why the Empire State Building hasn't lost its popularity

A visit to this skyscraper is an absolute must on any sightseeing trip to New York City. In pre-pandemic times, it was visited by 4 million people a year. Visitors simply didn't want to miss the chance to check out the view of the "Big Apple" from its observation deck on the 86th floor. On May 1, 2021 the Empire State Building celebrates 90 years since it opened to the public.

In the late 1920s, NYC's economy was booming and builders competed to create the tallest structure. The main tug of war was between two Art Deco gems, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Upon learning that the Empire State would be 1,000 feet tall, car mogul Walter Chrysler added a spire to his building to surpass it. Empire State architects simply changed their design to win.

On March 17, 1930 construction began on what was to be the world’s first building to reach 102 stories. The construction of the Empire State Building was considered a modern engineering marvel thanks to its steel frame. Each week, construction workers dangling at precarious heights completed 4.5 stories. The building opened to the public 13.5 months later on May 1, 1931.

As the world's tallest building, by 1932 visitors from all over the world paid 10 cents to peer through a telescope to have a bird's eye view of New York City. In six months, the building collected more than $3,000 in nickels and dimes. Today, however, a ticket for the 86th-floor observation deck costs $42 (34€) per adult, while a 102nd-story observation deck visit is a pricey $75 (62€).

With its height of 1,454 feet (443 meters), including its antenna, the Empire State Building reigned as the world's tallest skyscrapers until 1970, when the World Trade Center was constructed. Yet even today, the Empire state building is the ninth tallest building in the USA, and the 49th tallest freestanding structure in the world — not to mention a cultural icon.

The building is considered a stunning specimen of Art Deco architecture, and its exterior stepped design became one of the motifs of the style. The building's interior is rife with opulent details, such as in the 5th Avenue lobby with its decorative wall mural (pictured). The Empire State Building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in the USA in 1986.

As a symbol of NYC, the Empire State building has at times been a symbol of danger or romance in the Big Apple. In the 1993 film "Sleepless in Seattle," it's the picture-perfect location of a romantic encounter. Yet, its most famous movie appearance was in the 1933 stop-motion film "King Kong," where the giant ape battles airplanes from atop the skyscraper before falling to his death.

In 1976 the building's spire began to light up in colors chosen to match seasonal events and holidays. Organizations are allowed to make requests through the building's website, where those interested can also view the schedule. On January 19, 2021 the building was lit "heartbeat red" to commemorate the lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a high death toll in the USA.

Since 1978, the building has also hosted a unique running race, the Empire State Building Run-Up, which bills itself as the world's "most famous tower race." While visitors can reach the building's 86th floor in speedy elevators that take only one minute, runners race up 1,576 stairs. 9:33 is the record, held by Australian Paul Crake, while German runner Thomas Dold has the most wins: 7.

In 2009, the Empire State Building announced a half a billion dollar revamp which would make the monolith more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. In 2018, a new entrance was inaugurated on 34th street. In 2019, management announced plans to update the 102nd-floor observatory to provide even more spectacular views over the city that never sleeps.