When traveling to the Big Apple what is the first thing that you plan on doing? Most likely take a ride up to the observation deck of the Empire State Building to get a birds-eye view of one of the greatest cities in the world. Many people want to visit the building, but just a few people actually know about it, that’s why I gathered facts about the Empire State Building.

Aside from being one of the most famous buildings of NYC, it is rich in history and the facts will make you say ‘wow’ over and over again.

Here’s a taste of the View from the Empire State Building

Fun Facts About Empire State Building

• 3,400 men were needed for the construction of the Empire State.

• The building was actually completed ahead of schedule, taking only one year and 45 days to build.

• 1931 – It was officially inaugurated on May 1 1931 by President Hoover.

• William Lamb, the Empire State Building architect, was awarded the Architectural League’s Medal of Honor “for his masterful treatment of an office building.”

• 1931 – The building is topped by a mooring mast for dirigibles, which were the latest trend in air travel in 1931. However, only one blimp ever docked at the Empire State Building, on September 16, 1931, before the idea was abandoned because it was too dangerous.

• 1932 – The first light to shine from the top of the Empire State Building was a searchlight beacon that announced to the city that Franklin D. Roosevelt had been elected president in 1932.

• 1945 – On July 28, 1945, the Empire State Building was the site of a tragedy when a small plane crashed into the 79th floor on the 34th St. side of the building.

• 1955 – The American Society of Civil Engineers selected the Empire State Building as one of the seven greatest engineering achievements in America’s history in 1955.

• 1982 – On December 20, the Empire State Building was listed on the State & National Register of Historic Places.

• The total height of the Empire State Building, including the lightning rod, is 1,454 feet.

• The Empire State Building itself cost $24,718,000 to build (nearly half the expected cost because of the Great Depression). Including the property on which the building sits, the total cost for the Empire State Building was $40,948,900.

• There are 1,860 from the street level to the 102nd floor.

• The Empire State has its own zip code: 10118.

• The Empire State Run-Up has been an annual tradition since 1978. Every year, runners race up the 1,576 stairs to the 86th floor. The record time of 9 minutes and 33 seconds was set in 2003.

Visit the Empire State Building

Phone: (212) 736-3100

Hours: Open every day, 365 days a year rain or shine – Special Hours: 8AM to 2AM – Last elevator up at 1:15AM

Address: 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY, Between 33rd and 34th St. Entrance on 5th Avenue

Tours and Prices:

Main Deck Only – 86th Floor Only

Adult $25

Senior (62+) $22

Child (6-12) $19

Main Deck Express – 86th Floor, no waiting

All Visitors (6 years old and up ) $50.00

Skip all the lines on the way to the 86th Floor Observatory

Main Deck + Top Deck – 86th Floor and 102nd Floor

Adult $42

Senior (62+) $39

Child (6-12) $36

Main Deck + Top Deck Express – 86th Fl and 102nd Floor, no waiting

All Visitors $67.00

Skip all the lines on the way to both observation decks

Where to Buy Tickets for Entrance

You can arrive to the Empire State Building and go through the line process to purchase your tickets.

However, if you buy the NY CityPASS booklet you get a substantial discount, but you also get a free return for the night tour which in itself is worth visit. Plus, you cut all the lines.

And when I say lines, you can literally wait for hours to get in.

My suggestion, CityPASS is the way to go!

The post 14 Facts About Empire State Building – Did You Know all of These? appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: 14 Facts About Empire State Building – Did You Know all of These?
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/facts-about-empire-state-building/
Published Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:00:35 +0000

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