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10 Interesting Facts About the Empire State Building in New York City
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The Empire State Building stands as a proud architectural heritage of New York City. Built in the 1930s, the building has stood through years of US history and is a testament to how the country has progressed over the years.
Once named the tallest building in the world, the place is still rated as one of the famous destinations for visitors from across the world. Keep reading to find out some interesting facts about the Empire State Building!
10 Interesting Facts About the Empire State Building
1. The Empire State Building was once the tallest building in the world
The Empire State Building reaches an astounding 1454 feet. This includes the height from the base to the antennae, which alone accounts for 204 feet. Besides, on a clear day, you can have a telescopic glimpse of Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York. The 86th and 102nd floor is specially dedicated as an observatory. The latter offers a 360-degree view of the city and lets you experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment. In 1931, after its completion, it was named the tallest tower in the world.
2. The building is said to have a secretive 103rd floor
Unknown to most people, there has been news about the Empire State Building as having a secretive celebrity floor. This is present on the 103rd floor and is inaccessible to the general public. It is also believed that people visiting the 103rd floor must have a good knack for height as there is considerably very little height difference between the knees and a long drop on the other end. Celebrities like Taylor Swift have graced the location and posted pictures on social media! Irrespective of any price that visitors are willing to pay, this floor is out of bounds and can reportedly be accessed by celebrities and famous stars alone.
3. It was featured in Hollywood movies and TV shows
One of the ways the Empire State Building has become a famous destination among the global audience is attributed to its screen presence in multiple movies and television series. We cannot deny the paramount impact left by the work of art on the globalized citizen. Movies such as An Affair to Remember, Superman II, and Elf have projected the beauty of the building. Besides, television series like How I met your mother, Gossip Girl, and Friends, made it even more popular among the people. Undoubtedly, we know the reason why it ranks as one of the most famous buildings in the world.
4. The security process to enter the building is the same as the airport
Attributed to the presence of some reputed companies, the prestige of the building, its importance as an architectural marvel, and to avoid any accidents within the building premises, the security is tightened at the time of entry. You will have to go through similar checks and verifications that take place at the airport. It is manned 24x7 and laced with state-of-art security equipment for the safety of visitors and other tenants who use the building premises. They are generally requested for proof of identity, and only those who have authorized visitor passes and tickets can access the space as it also contains corporate offices that do not permit visitor attendance.
5. The Empire State Building displays real-time election results
CNN has partnered with the Empire State Building to provide real-time election results during the time of elections. This is displayed live on the tower. Once the results are declared, the building illuminates with the face of the elected President to show their recognition towards the newly elected leader. There have been campaigns in the past where the pictures of voters who have posted on Instagram with a given hashtag, such as #MyVote, popped up in the LEDs covering the election news.
6. Couples who get married at the building get lifetime access
To make the biggest moment of your life even more memorable, the Empire State Building has been giving a lucrative offer to all those who solemnize their marriage inside the building. However, this perk is granted only to visitors who choose to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day (14 February). Sign up for a lifetime of special access to one of the most iconic places in the world! You get to become members of the Empire State Building Wedding Club and can also avail of free yearly access to the observatory on 14 February!
7. Empire State Building was built in an unimaginable timeline
With the stunning architectural features that the building possesses, it is impossible to believe that the building was completed in just one year! Yes, you read it right! The construction of the building began in 1930, and it was in 1931 that the building was inaugurated in a record timeline, making it the tallest building in the world. It would amaze you to know that nearly 3000 workers were involved in the process. They took the task of completing at least 4.5 floors per week.
8. Lightning hits the top antenna of the building annually
Given that the Empire State Building is one of the tallest in the world, you might be wondering if it is impacted by lightning. Given that the occurrence of lightning is a natural process and Manhattan is not an exception to experiencing the phenomenon, it is not uncommon to hear about lightning striking the Empire States Building. There are annual incidences of lightning striking the top of antenna during drastic weather conditions. Even though this sounds a tad bit dangerous, the building is completely equipped to handle such occurrences. In fact, these events of lightning provide some jaw-dropping photographs for the photographers who come to witness this!
9. There’s something for everyone inside the building
The Empire State Building hosts multiple offices, restaurants, gift shops, and other facilities. The majority of the building’s space is allocated to be used as offices. Some major companies that work out of the building include LinkedIn, Shutterstock, Skanska, Expedia, and Workday, to name a few. Additionally, there are facilities such as observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors that are open to visitors to get panoramic views of the city and adjoining areas. Those visiting ESB can also indulge in some delicious food at the restaurants inside like the State Grill and Bar, Refresh, Refuel, and Tacombi. Located on the 2nd and 80th floors are the fabulous exhibits where one can use an audio guide for an enhanced experience.
10. An annual race takes place inside the building
Can you grasp the fact that one of the tallest buildings in the world holds an annual race inside the premises? Well, it’s true! Known as the Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU), the complex holds an annual athletic event where it challenges participants and athletes from around the world to be a part of an 86 floor-stair-climbing competition. The number of stairs that one has to climb is 1576, which ultimately tests the endurance of the participants!
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Empire State Building Facts
What is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and has 103 stories and a 204 feet long antenna above it. The architectural masterpiece is part of Manhattan in New York City.
What is the most interesting fact about the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building was built in a record time period of one year, and nearly 3000 workers took on the humongous task of completing 4.5 floors per week. It was once the tallest building in the world.
When was the Empire State Building built?
The construction of the Empire State Building started in March 1930 and was completed in a year during April 1931.
When did the Empire State Building open?
The Empire State Building was opened in April 1931 and upon completion, became the tallest building in the world.
Who built the Empire State Building?
Bethlehem Engineering Corporation bought the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel that formerly stood in the same place as the Empire State Building. Former executives from General Motors and the Dupont family came together and formed Empire State Inc., which began construction in March 1930.
How many floors does the Empire State Building have?
In total, there are 103 floors on the Empire State Building. The 103rd floor cannot be accessed by the general public. In addition to this, there is a 204-foot antenna on the tower too.
What is the Empire State Building famous for?
The Empire State Building is a masterpiece known for its remarkable construction and location. The observatory decks on the 86th and 102nd floors give a bird's eye view of the city and its surroundings.
How many observation decks does the Empire State Building have?
There are two observation decks inside the Empire State Building. One on the 86th floor and one on the 102nd floor, both of which provide a 360-degree view of Manhattan and its surroundings.
Can I go to the top of the Empire State Building?
Yes, the observation decks at the top of the Empire State Building are accessible to visitors. Book your tickets to visit this iconic landmark.
What can you see from the Empire State Building?
You can see the city of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey on a fine, clear day. The view from the building is breathtaking.
How tall is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building extends to a height of 1454 feet and reportedly ranks in 54th position among the top buildings of the world. The antenna alone is 204 feet, giving the skyscraper a fabulous look.
Is the Empire State Building the tallest building in the world?
No, the Empire State Building is not the tallest building in the world currently. When it was completed in 1931, it was the tallest building in the world. Currently, the tallest building in the world is Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
How much did it cost to build the Empire State Building?
The total cost incurred to build the Empire State Building was USD 40,948,900. This includes the price of the land along with the building cost.
How long did the construction of the Empire State Building take?
It took one year to build the Empire State Building. The construction started in March 1930, and the building was ready by April 1931.
Did a plane crash into the Empire State Building?
Yes, an Army Corp B-25 twin-engine bomber plane crashed into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building. The unfortunate incident took place on July 28, 1945, at the end of World War II, taking away the lives of 14 people.
Can I get married at the Empire State Building?
Yes, the Empire State Building allows the couple to get married on the 80th floor on Valentine's day. It is the only day of the year when couples can get married inside the building.
Do people stay inside the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building does not have residences. However, the office premises can be rented for commercial purposes as per the price determined by the authority.
