Art Deco in New York City

Figure 1 - A very eye catching sconce in the lobby of the Chrysler Building.

Art Deco is an artistic style that emerged almost one hundred years ago, in the 1920s. It utilised symmetrical, sharp geometric shapes, man made materials such as concrete, bakelite and brass and usually had a machined look. Two of the better known examples of this form are the The Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. The Chrysler Building was designed by architect William Van Allen, and even tho access beyond the lobby is not allowed, much can be admired just on the ground floor. The Empire State Building , completed in 1931 was the tallest building in the world until the completion of the World Trade Center in 1971. So, on my last trip to NYC I snapped a bunch of photos of these buildings and some other notable Art Deco constructions in the city.

Figure 2 - Chrysler Building Entrance , as viewed from Lexington Ave.

Figure 3 - Close up of panes above 42nd street entrance.

Figure 4 - Inside the Chrysler lobby looking out to Lexington Avenue.

Figure 5 -Stunning brass doorway in Chrysler Building, surrounded by African Red granite.

Figure 6 - The Empire State Building.

Lastly, my preferred hotel to stay at while in NYC, New Yorker. The Lobby here just blows me away, especially the gigantic chandelier that dominates the room. It was completed just a year before the Empire State building, and is right around the corner from Penn Station.

Figure 7 - Chandelier in the New Yorker Hotel.

Figure 8 - Elevator doors on the 34th floor.

Figure 9 - Top of a floor lamp in my suite on the 34th floor.

Hope you all enjoyed the photos! Feel free to use them if you want, you have my permission. If you would like read more about Art Deco, check the links below. Due to the nature of my work I travel a lot, so follow for more adventures!

Encyclopedia Britannica

Artcyclopedia