This post will introduce you to some of Manhattan’s most iconic art deco buildings. But first, let’s talk a little bit about the history of art deco architecture in NYC and what characterizes the style.
A Brief History of Art Deco Architecture in New York City
Most of the Art Deco structures you will see when you are exploring NYC were constructed during the 1920s and 1930s. At that time, the city was expanding. Zoning requirements were flexible and the financial means existed to support plenty of new construction. It just so happened that Art Deco was trendy at the time, so naturally a lot of the buildings erected during those decades feature the style.
What is Art Deco?
Art Deco is a style that is characterized by the following:
- Simplicity
- Streamlined forms
- An emphasis on geometric shapes
- Symmetry
- Repetition
- Decorative embellishments (sometimes), often influenced by ancient styles (i.e. Egyptian)
- Certain shapes are common, i.e. sunbursts
- An emphasis on vertical forms
- Modernity
Actually, if you wanted a shorthand way of describing what a lot of Art Deco looks like, you could just say “think of a skyscraper.” These streamlined geometric structures reaching for the sky very much capture the spirit of Art Deco. Not only are a lot of NYC skyscrapers built with an Art Deco style, but the skyscraper itself is a common motif that influenced into a lot of other Art Deco designs.
One more thing to note about NYC skyscrapers in particular is their “stepped” shapes. This was not merely a style choice; it was a requirement of the zoning laws that specified the heights at which setbacks were required. Setbacks too have become a common element in a lot of other art deco designs.
Now that you have some context for Art Deco architecture in NYC, let’s take a look at some exciting art deco buildings you can visit in Manhattan!
1. Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
Manhattan, New York 10118
The most famous art deco building—indeed, the most famous building altogether—in NYC is the Empire State Building. Standing 102 floors high, this building was constructed in the early 30s, and used to be the tallest building on the planet. Its façade is granite and limestone. It features iconic setbacks and streamlined eagle sculptures.
The lobby also is an example of exquisite art deco design. What is really cool is that it features a mural that portrays the building itself, also done in an art deco style, complete with dramatic sunbursts.
2. Chrysler Building
This gorgeous skyscraper is almost as well known as the Empire State Building. It stands 1,046 feet tall. While it was briefly the tallest building in the world, it remains the tallest one that features a steel framework with brick. The top of the building is of course its most distinctive feature; the Maltese cross shape features tapering levels of graceful arcs, making for an instantly recognizable profile.
As with the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building boasts a beautiful art deco interior that is also well worth experiencing.
3. General Electric Building
570 Lexington Avenue
Manhattan, New York City
Another art deco building in Manhattan with an extremely distinctive apex is the General Electric Building, originally called the RCA Victor Building. It rises 50 stories and features an octagonal shape.
It is located right next to St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, which informed its design. The church features an orange brick façade, so the skyscraper does as well. Moreover, the skyscraper is capped with Gothic tracery, making for an unusual melding of styles. Rather than evoking any religious quality, however, the Gothic top is instead meant to convey the concept of radio waves in a stylized way.
4. American Radiator Building
40–52 West 40th Street
Manhattan, New York
Another building that combines the art deco and gothic styles (gothic revival, to be specific) in a magnificent way is the American Radiator Building, sometimes called the American Standard Building. What will grab your attention instantly when you see this structure is the unusual black brick cladding. Ornate gold decorative accents produce a sharp contrast with the black brick, helping to define the shape of the building with its setbacks.
5. The New Yorker
481 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
While many of the buildings we have featured so far have a typical skyscraper shape that is more or less slender and vertical, The New Yorker, a Wyndham Hotel has a very different profile. It is 42 floors high, but quite wide at the base. In fact, with its blocky stepped design, it actually looks a bit like a pile of skyscrapers all massed together. The prominent “NEW YORKER” sign at the top will get your attention from blocks away. The structure could be described as ponderous or hulking, perhaps even somewhat ominous.
6. Rockefeller Center
Midtown Manhattan
New York City, New York
In midtown, you will find Rockefeller Center. This area features 19 buildings, 14 of which have an art deco style. You will find these between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The most prominent structure is the 30 Rockefeller Plaza skyscraper. This building’s shape is wide on one side, and narrow on the other, giving it a very different look depending on the angle you are viewing it from. While at Rockefeller Center, you will also be able to visit the famous Radio City Music Hall, another of New York City’s art deco gems.
7. 70 Pine Street
70 Pine Street
New York City, New York
Finally, do not miss out on 70 Pine Street, also called 60 Wall Tower, the American International Building, and the Cities Service Building. Standing 952 feet tall, it was once the tallest structure in Lower Manhattan. While you are checking it out, be sure to drop by the eastern entrance portals. There, you will be able to marvel at a small model of the art deco skyscraper.
Explore Midtown on a pedicab
Are you ready to see the Art Deco wonders of New York City? A midtown pedicab tour is a great way to see Art Deco buildings. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy some time off your feet while also learning more from your guide about the city’s history and architecture. Just let us know when you book your tour that you want to visit Art Deco buildings.