The Empire State Building: beautiful pics and interesting facts

[jw5]

Cool, sleek, and elegant, the Empire State Building is an American cultural icon, a stunning example of art deco splendor set in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Visited by millions since its opening on May 1, 1931, it's also one of the most photographed structures on the planet. But how do you capture a picture that's different from the usual postcard view?

 

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Empire State Building - The Empire State Building is currently the 5th-tallest completed skyscraper in the US by pinnacle height.

 

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Empire State Building -

The colored floodlights that illuminate the top of the building were added in 1964.

 

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Empire State Building - The iconic structure framed in a torn safety net on One World Trade Center.

 

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Empire State Building - The facade is often illuminated to celebrate or commemorate anniversaries, or special events. Here it's lit in the colors of the Rubik's Cube to mark the puzzle toy's 40th anniversary.

 

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Empire State Building - The building has a roof height of 1,250 ft and stands a total of 1,454 ft, including its antenna.

 

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Empire State Building -

The building and its street floor interior are designated landmarks of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

 

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Empire State Building - Typical of pre–World War II architecture, the exterior of the building is clad in Indiana limestone panels.

 

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Empire State Building - The iconic binoculars set at the top of the Rockefeller Building provide outstanding close-up views of its illustrious neighbor.

 

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Empire State Building - Located on the 80th floor, the shop features curated keepsakes and memorabilia that celebrate the iconic building's past, present, and future.

 

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Empire State Building -

Designed by William F. Lamb, of architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, the original idea was for a 50-story office building.

 

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Empire State Building -

An image of a leopard projected onto the building in 2015 as part of an endangered species awareness campaign.

 

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Empire State Building - The Empire State Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986

 

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Empire State Building -

The structure is one of 43 buildings in New York City that has its own zip code.

 

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Empire State Building - Construction on the building started March 17, 1930, and was completed on April 11, 1931.

 

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Empire State Building -

The skyscraper has topped the American Institute of Architects' List of America's Favorite Architecture.

 

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Empire State Building -

The Empire State Building won a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating in September 2011.

 

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Empire State Building -

The skyscraper framed in the windows of the New York City Library.

 

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Empire State Building -

The tower at the top of the building was originally designed to be a mooring mast for airships, also known as blimps!