This is the reception desk with its illuminated clock in the lobby of the Chrysler Building. The 77-story Art Deco masterpiece at 405 Lexington Avenue was designed by William Van Alen and built in 1929. In the dark, warm retro lobby, we find red Moroccan marble walls, yellow Siena marble floors, amber onyx, blue marble trim, and chrome steel.
I have done several other posts on the Chrysler Building featuring different aspects of the building: the exterior with its gargoyles, the magnificent Lexington Avenue entryway, the stairwells (see here and here), and the adjoining Trylon Towers. Also of note are its renowned elevators and the ceiling murals, which I will cover in the future…
Looks like a scene/still from a movie about old NY…
The exterior of this fabulous building is well-documented digitally and on film, but I believe this is the first image I’ve seen from this perspective. The inclusion of people in your shot, particularly how they’re standing really gives this composition a timeless appearance. Can’t wait to see more.
Thanks – as I have mentioned in previous posts, access to the interior and photography are now much more difficult since 911. The elevators have been fairly well documented. I also found little on this perspective with the clock.
Brian
it look like a still from a gangster movie
b e a u t i f u l
This is an amazing shot. I’m incredibly intrigued by architecture, which is how I found your blog. The CB is my favorite structure of all time, so thank you for doing such a great job of capturing not only the beauty of it, but the feel of it.
Any tips on how one can get a tour?
I have enquired about tours – not available. And unless you know one of the tenants in the building, access itself is limited.
Brian
I love it as Woody Allen does. It’s a myth, It’s my NYC Myth !!!