Skip to Content

Empire State Building Facts:

All You Need to Know

The Empire State Building has never been just a building. It’s iconic in a city full of icons, a 102-floor Art Deco masterpiece that still towers over the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Opened in 1931 as the world's tallest building, it still functions as a sought-after office address, with two observation decks and a museum. Below are some Empire State Building facts to help you get to know the face behind the famous silhouette..

Buy Tickets
tower-night.png

How tall is the Empire State Building?

media-observatory.png

1,250

feet (or 380 meters)

The Empire State Building height is 1,250 feet to its highest occupied floor and 1,454 feet to the top of the building's antenna.

1,454

feet (Or 443 meters)

Height including antenna. It represents the full architectural height of the structure, including all extensions above the roof.

103

Floors

Number of floors including office spaces, observation deck levels, and mechanical areas, plus a 103rd level above them that is not open to the public.

measurements of the Empire State Building

Empire State Building Facts in Numbers

As a symbol of New York City’s spirit, there’s always something new to discover. Explore fun facts like the number of stairs in the Empire State Building and how often it’s struck by lightning.

  • 1930–1931

    Construction years

  • 410

    days of Construction time

  • 1,860

    Stairs to 102nd floor

  • 73

    Elevators Otis

  • 6,514

    Windows

  • 25

    lightning strikes per year

about-facts-Memorable-Campaigns.png

What is the Empire State Building made of?

200K

cubic feet of Indiana limestone and granite

730

tons of aluminum and stainless steel

10M

bricks used in construction

200K

cubic feet of Indiana limestone and granite

730

tons of aluminum and stainless steel

10M

bricks used in construction

Interesting Facts About the Empire State Building

Here are some of the most interesting facts to learn before your visit

Buy Tickets

60K+ Five-Star Ratings

More than 60,000 five-star reviews from visitors around the world.

illustration-medium (1).png

A Piece of History

Among NYC’s five tallest buildings, the Empire State Building is the oldest, built in just 13 months from 1930 to 1931.

illustration-medium -2.png

Most Photographed

In 2011, researchers at Cornell University found the Empire State Building to be the world’s most photographed building.

More Than Just a View

media-regular-56.png

Wave to the Neighbors

On a clear day, ESB Observation Decks offer views across six states: NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, and DE.

media-hall.png

Grand from The Ground Up

Don’t miss ESB’s stunning Art Deco lobby, a NYC interior designated a historic landmark.

A City Within the City

Home to businesses like LinkedIn, Shutterstock, and JCDecaux, ESB offers 2.8 million rentable sq ft of office space in Midtown Manhattan and its own ZIP code: 10118.

  • linkedin.png
  • shutterstock.png
  • JCD.png
  • logo (1).png
  • partner-logos (2).png
  • partner-logos (3).png
  • logo (2).png
  • partner-logos (1).png

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a wide range of partnership formats, which include tower light shows and building projections, in-building pop-ups, custom exhibits, photo moments, sponsored social content and digital activations, live events and performances, stunts, and full building takeovers. Whether for a single activation or a fully integrated campaign, the Empire State Building offers one of the most iconic platforms in the world.

The Empire State Building's 102nd Floor is enclosed and the 86th Floor is open to the air. The 102nd sits 1,250 feet up, behind floor-to-ceiling glass and climate control. The 86th is the open-air deck at 1,050 feet, where you can step outside and hear the city.

The building is fully ADA compliant, with wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the 86th Floor Observation Deck, lowered viewing walls and binoculars, ramps, and wheelchair access. Service dogs are allowed.

You can see and buy your photos at showtimepictures.com.

See it Yourself

The Empire State Building’s Observation Decks provide panoramic views of New York City and attract millions of visitors annually.

Family taking selfie

86th Floor Observation Deck

Buy Tickets from $46
  • Access to 86th Floor Observation Deck

  • Reschedule Anytime

  • NYC Skyline Views

Buy Tickets from $46
Buy the Empire State Building Flex Ticket
Flexible Entry

Empire State Building Flex Ticket

Buy Tickets from $66
  • Access to 86th Floor Observation Deck

  • Reschedule Anytime

  • NYC Skyline Views

  • Flexible Date Entry

Buy Tickets from $66

Experience the View

Millions visit the Empire State Building Observation Deck each year, earning it top global honors.

Buy Tickets

World’s Best 2024

Named the #1 Attraction in the World by Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards.

Top U.S. Attraction

#1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do.

60K+ Five-Star Ratings

More than 60,000 five-star reviews from visitors around the world.