The 77-story Chrysler Building is an iconic New York City image, easily recognizable in New York City's sprawling skyline because of its shiny peak.

Walter Chrysler bought the project before construction and had the architect William Van Alen add decorative features inspired by Chrysler's automobile designs, including stainless-steel eagle head hood ornaments, Chrysler radiator caps, racing cars on the 31st floor, and even the notable shiny vertex.

The Cloud Club, a private dining club, was once housed inside the 66th-68th floors. The 71st floor was home to a visitor center which offered outstanding skyline views, as well as a display with Chrysler's first tool kit.

Today, visitors can see the building from the outside, as well as visit the lobby to examine the Art deco details and beautiful ceiling mural by Edward Trumbull, but the rest of the building is leased to businesses and not accessible to visitors.

Chrysler Building Basics:

• Admission: Admission to the Chrysler Building is free, but keep in mind that you are visiting the lobby of a building that is used for business -- not just a tourist attraction. There is no access beyond the lobby for visitors to the Chrysler Building.
• Hours: The Chrysler Building lobby is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding Federal Holidays).
• Address: 405 Lexington Avenue (42nd/43rd)
• Nearest Subway: 4/5/6, 7 to Grand Central

Chrysler Building Facts:

• The Chrysler Building was built between 1928 and 1930 and designed by architect William Van Alen.

• With 77 stories and standing 1046 feet tall, the Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world for a few months, but was quickly surpassed by the Empire State Building.
• Stainless-steel eagle heads and Chrysler radiator caps were added to the design when Walter P. Chrysler bought the project before construction.

Chrysler Building Photos