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Top 10 Most Famous Buildings in New York

There is no shortage of famous buildings in New York City. From sky-high luxury residences to charming, rustic brownstones, New York City is an architectural gold mine. Here are some of the most famous and iconic buildings in the city.

10. The Dakota

the dakota's german renaissance exterior seen on an overcast day

The Dakota is an ultra-high end co-op apartment building in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The building was constructed in the late 1800s, with a German Renaissance style that utilized French architectural trends of the time.

The building’s amenities are top of the line even by modern standards. The building features dumbwaiters, central heating, an in-house power plant, croquet lawns, service staff quarters, and so much more. Notable residents over the years have been John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Maury Povich, John Madden, Judy Garland, Michael Kahn and more.

9. Woolworth Building

the woolworth building

The Woolworth Building was originally built in 1913, taking the title as the World’s Tallest Skyscraper until 1930. Today, it remains one of the top 100 buildings in the US, which is impressive considering it’s over 100 years old. The building is located in Lower Manhattan.

It is known for its beautiful Terra Cotta exterior, grandiose and dramatic neo-Gothic style, and countless limestone and marble features throughout the interior.

8. Madison Square Garden

madison square garden during a hockey game

Madison Square Garden is widely regarded as one of the World’s Most Famous Arenas. It is a sports mecca where the New York Knicks and New York Rangers play. It has also hosted some of the most culturally significant entertainment performances in the city’s history. Billy Joel still performs once a month here.

The building itself was an engineering marvel for its time, and is a nostalgic staple in the hearts of New Yorkers, sports fans, and entertainment fans worldwide.

7. Apollo Theater

marquee sign of the apollo theater

This neo-Classical theater is regarded as the Home of the Soul of American Culture. It is known as a mecca for black performers, and has hosted an impressive lineup of musical, comedic, and acting talent over the years. James Brown, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Michael Jackson, and countless others have performed and even recorded their performances at the theater.

The Apollo is designated as a New York City Landmark, and was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.

6. Radio City Music Hall

radio city music hall seen at night

Radio City Music Hall is another Art Deco favorite found in Midtown Manhattan, within Rockefeller Center. It is the headquarters for the Rockettes, the host of countless Television shows like Late Night with David Letterman and America’s Got Talent. Not to mention, it has hosted musical acts ranging from Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead, to Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.

The building itself is known for its grand, illuminated facade, and large, opulent interior. The massive Marquee sign is a classic, iconic photo opportunity. The Foyer, Mezzanine, and Suites are nothing short of amazing.

5. The Flatiron

the flatiron building set against a dark cloudy sky

The Flatiron is one of New York City’s more unusual buildings. It stands only 22 stories tall, and is triangular in shape, with the building’s narrowest point being about 6 ft wide. The builders used the space they had after the intersections of Broadway, Fifth Ave, and 23rd St left a difficult footprint to work with.

Though its triangular shape caused some interesting wind patterns in the neighborhood, the public soon fell in love with the building’s unique, iconic shape and its Beaux Arts exterior. It is still regarded as one of New York City’s most iconic buildings.

4. Chrysler Building

the chrysler building set against a blue sky backdrop

The Chrysler Building is one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in New York City. This Art Deco skyscraper is found on the East Side of Manhattan, where 42nd Street and Lexington Ave intersect. It is primarily used as an office building, and stands at 1,046 ft tall.

The Chrysler Building is the tallest brick building with a steel framework in the world. It was the world’s tallest skyscraper for 11 months in 1930, and is considered a New York City landmark as well as a National Historic Landmark.

3. Grand Central Terminal

grand central terminal

Grand Central Terminal is another one of the most iconic buildings in New York City. It is a magnificent and grand railway station, with high, vaulted ceilings, bronze and stone carvings, a celestial ceiling mural and a giant four-faced clock.

The building is simply breathtaking and is an absolute must-visit for anybody visiting the City. Architecture buffs are sure to be impressed with the awe-inspiring Beaux Arts design of the main hall.

2. One World Trade Center

lower manhattan, with one world trade center towering above the rest of the buildings in the center of the photo

One World Trade Center is the newest building on this list, and is the tallest building in the United States at a symbolic height of 1,776 ft. It is found in Lower Manhattan at the 16 acre World Trade Center site.

The building is a symbol of victory. Though the attacks on the original World Trade Center towers completely rocked the nation, the city, and our history, One World Trade was the City’s defiant response. The tower stands tall as a reminder of the strength and resilience of our home, what we believe in, and what we stand for.

1. Empire State Building

the empire state building seen at dusk

Is there a more iconic building in New York City? This 102 story Art Deco skyscraper stands over 1,400 feet over Midtown Manhattan. It is host to the most popular observation deck in New York City. It is and will always be the centerpiece of Manhattan, along with Central Park.

Though New York City has seen its share of luxury high rises tower way above the Empire State Building, most of the new towers lack the grandiose, lovable character that makes New York City what it is. You could just as easily find these new high-rises in Miami, Austin, or Atlanta. But the Empire State Building is that recognizable and timeless classic that gives New York its unique character.

Moving Here

Metropolis Moving: New York City's Most Trusted Moving Company

If you find yourself dreaming about what it would be like living in or near these iconic New York City buildings, you’ll need a team of reliable professionals with local experience to help you get there. Metropolis Moving offers personalized service by professionals who care about your move and want to see you succeed in this new chapter of your life.

Get a quote today and you’ll be one step closer to living the life you envision for yourself among the most iconic buildings in New York.

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