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The Empire State Building New York
The Empire State Building located in mid-town Manhattan has arguably been titled the eighth wonder of the modern world. Although it is no longer the tallest building in the world, it is still one of biggest office buildings, currently the tallest in New York standing at an impressive one hundred and two stories.
This astonishing feat of engineering was constructed extremely quickly by today's standards. Taking into account the lows of the Depression between 1930 and 1931, The Empire State Building was completed later on in May 1931. During this period it was not uncommon for two stories to be built in a week...
The Empire State Building's address is located at 5th Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Street and takes up an entire city block. Such is the sheer size of the building it can be viewed from several blocks away, or, many miles in an elevating viewing position.
The style of the building is Art Deco and amongst other attractions houses an impressive visitor's museum in the lobby, and a must see viewing platform close to the top. For obvious reasons security is very tight, and prices are a little steep. However, considering the tour will last two hours is a real bargain, not to mention a view you will remember for a lifetime.
In the Empire State Building's lobby museum a visitor can revel in the history of the building, whilst researching the history of this grand old lady and New York as it used to be. Also, there are many displays of amazing presentations that discuss the ancient wonders from when The Empire State Building was often compared.
The Empire State Building's main lobby is itself something of a museum too, with it's old golden Art Deco wall friezes, and beautifully polished stone, you'll want to make sure your camera is fully charged. If you're into old movies then you will certainly appreciate the ambiance and nostalgia that the lobby instils. It's easy to imagine living what it must have been like living during this period...
It seems to take an age, but the lengthily elevator ride to The Empire State Building's viewing platform is an appropriate time to think back to that historic accident, when a B-52 crashed into the center of the building back in 1945. Surprisingly the crash caused relatively minor damage, and the fire was extinguished in under an one hour. However, the impact did cause the elevator to fall. This wasn't a real problem though as the operator at the time survived a seventy-five floor drop without a scratch. It's a good job Mr. Otis, genius elevator designer new his stuff..
Travel up to the eighty-sixth floor and on a clear day a visitor can stand from the outdoor platform at over an amazing thousand feet from ground level. If you're lucky you will be able to see the Statue Of Liberty just off the southern tip of Manhattan Island. You may even be able to see Central Park NYC located at 110th Street too.
From the top you will also be able to see the glistening green glass Citicorp, the impressive looking AT&T building and not forgetting the Gargoyle submit of the Chrysler building and lots more panoramic views besides.