One of New York's most beautiful skyscrapers was built in the late 1920s and early 1930s during the quest for the title of the world's tallest building. As was customary at the time, the Chrysler Building is built in the Art Deco style, punctuated by a 56-metre-high steel spire with semicircular architectural features.

This unconventionally elegant spire makes the Chrysler Building one of the most distinctive masterpieces of the Art Deco style in the entire world.

The height and construction of the skyscraper

Construction of the Chrysler Building began in 1928 and was originally intended to be without the famous steel spire. It was originally intended to be only the tallest building in the world, but it was only during construction that the design was altered to surpass even the Eiffel Tower, making it the tallest building ever. Thus, a 58-metre spire was added to the project, which was installed in late 1929, and the entire building was inaugurated on 27 May 1930.

With a height of 319 metres, it became the tallest building in the world. The top spot lasted just under a year, however, when it was eclipsed by the much taller Empire State Building a few blocks away.

Although you'll find an observation deck at the top of the Chrysler Building, the view from it is no better than from Rockefeller Center, from which you can also see the Chrysler Building itself, one of the most beautiful buildings in New York.