When was empire state building

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Empire State Building was completed on May 1, 1931, after a construction period of just 410 days. It stood as the world's tallest building until 1970, reaching a height of 1,454 feet including its antenna.

Key Facts

Construction of the Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930, and finished on May 1, 1931.
It was the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1970, surpassing the Chrysler Building by 204 feet.
The building has 102 floors and stands 1,454 feet tall with its antenna.
Only 410 days were needed to construct the skyscraper, an extraordinary pace for its time.
The Empire State Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Overview

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Completed during the Great Depression, it symbolized American ambition, innovation, and architectural prowess at a time of economic hardship.

Designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the building was conceived as part of a race to construct the tallest skyscraper in the world. Its Art Deco style, combined with rapid construction and groundbreaking engineering, made it a global sensation upon opening.

Construction began on March 17, 1930, and the building opened on May 1, 1931—just 410 days later, an astonishingly short timeline for a 102-story structure.
The Empire State Building stands 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna, making it the tallest building in the world from 1931 until the completion of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970.
It has 102 floors and contains approximately 2.7 million square feet of usable space, primarily used for office and observation purposes.
The building’s foundation required over 57,000 tons of steel and 10 million bricks, reflecting the massive scale of its construction effort.
It was officially dedicated by President Herbert Hoover, who symbolically turned on the lights from Washington, D.C., marking its grand opening.

How It Works

The Empire State Building’s enduring success lies in its innovative design and engineering solutions that were revolutionary for the early 20th century. Each component was carefully planned to maximize efficiency, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

Steel Frame Construction: The building’s skeleton is made of a rigid steel frame, allowing it to support extreme height while remaining flexible enough to withstand wind forces.
Elevator System: It features 73 elevators, designed to move quickly and efficiently, with some reaching speeds up to 1,200 feet per minute to service upper floors.
Art Deco Design: Characterized by geometric patterns, vertical lines, and ornate detailing, the style emphasizes height and modernity, reinforcing the building’s grandeur.
Observation Decks: The 86th and 102nd floor viewing areas attract over 4 million visitors annually, offering panoramic views of New York City.
Lightning Rod Function: The antenna frequently gets struck by lightning—up to 25 times per year—and safely channels the electricity into the ground.
Energy Retrofit: A $550 million renovation between 2009 and 2013 improved energy efficiency by 38%, reducing carbon emissions and utility costs.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the Empire State Building stacks up against other landmark skyscrapers in history:

Building	Year Completed	Height (ft)	Floors	Location
Empire State Building	1931	1,454	102	New York, NY
Chrysler Building	1930	1,046	77	New York, NY
World Trade Center	1973	1,368	110	New York, NY
Willis Tower	1974	1,451	108	Chicago, IL
Burj Khalifa	2010	2,717	163	Dubai, UAE

This comparison highlights the Empire State Building’s historical significance. While no longer the tallest, it remains one of the most visited and culturally significant skyscrapers in the world, often used as a benchmark in architectural discussions.

Why It Matters

The Empire State Building is more than an architectural marvel—it’s a cultural symbol of resilience, ambition, and American identity. Its silhouette has appeared in countless films, photographs, and artworks, cementing its place in global popular culture.

It was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1955.
The building attracts over 4 million tourists annually, making it one of the most visited landmarks in the United States.
Its lighting system is programmable and changes for holidays and events, such as red and green for Christmas or rainbow colors for Pride Month.
During World War II, the observation deck was closed for security, but the building remained a symbol of hope and strength.
It has been featured in over 250 films, including King Kong, An Affair to Remember, and Sleepless in Seattle.
The Empire State Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, recognizing its architectural and cultural importance.

Even nearly a century after its completion, the Empire State Building continues to inspire engineers, artists, and visitors from around the world, standing as a testament to human ingenuity and vision.