Empire State building - NYC attractions
Guide to the Empire State building
The Empire State Building was created at the time when the United States of America was still trying to come to terms with the Great Depression of 1929. It was built in the year 1931, with an initial investment of $40million. Since then, major renovations and extensions have taken place and added to its glory.
This landmark is situated at Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and is the tallest building in USA and with its 102 stories and 6000 windows, it houses some of the best business offices in the country. There are two observatories located within the building with one on the 86th floor and another on the topmost, 102nd floor. Panoramic views of the Manhattan borough as well as the New York City can be seen from these floors. These observatories 
have become a major tourist attraction with more than 3.5 million people visiting the observatory on the 86th floor every year.
The floodlights were added to the building in the year 1964 so as to illuminate the top of building during the night and the colours chosen are to reflect the festive mood of the season. The “motion simulator” which is located on the second floor is another major attraction here. Named as New York Skyride, it provides the viewers a simulated aerial tour of the city covering almost all the major attractions and places of historical interest.
The design of the Empire State Building is modeled on the Art Deco style of designing which was popular during the mid 20th century. Most of the buildings and skyscrapers designed during that period followed the Art Deco Style and the Empire State Building is considered the best and the highest amongst them all. The two observatories and theview they provide of NYC have been the shooting locales of many Hollywood movies and the building stands immortalized by the ultimate scene from King Kong, the Hollywood blockbuster of 1933.
There are so many additional annual events that take place at this spectacular landmark like the Empire State Run-up wherein the runners race up to the 86th floor, climbing 1,576 stairs in the minimum possible time. The current record stands at 9 minutes 33 seconds and was set up in the year 2003. Another exceptional event that takes place here is on The Valentine’s Day when couples get married at 1,000 feet, on the 80th floor of the building and thereby gain privileged access to the Empire State building Wedding Club.
The awe-inspiring structure also houses some of the best names in the world of business, entertainment and fashion. If times permits then it is worth also experiencing the 25 minute New York Skyride that gives an aerial view of the Big Apple.
Location: Empire State Building, 350 5th Avenue, NYC, USA.
Official Website: Empire State Building NYC, USA.
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