The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Avenue,

Between 33rd and 34th Streets,

Midtown Manhattan.

New York, NY 10118.

http://www.esbnyc.com/

The Empire State Building is one of the well known symbols in American history and gives a unique perspective of the society that it represents. William Lamb, an architect of great fame was appointed to plan and design this building. The construction started in June 1930 and was completed by November. The tower was around 200ft high with a dome on its top. By October 3^rd, 1930, the 88^th floor was almost complete. In order to speed up the construction the building's posts, beams, windows and window frames were manufactured in the steel factories and put together in the site of the building itself.

William Lamb, the architect of this awe-inspiring building was himself influenced by another well known planner Eliel Saarinein. The building was a centre of attraction as it raised competition between two well known personalities Walter Chrysler and John Jackob Raskob. During the Second World War an army aircraft crashed into the 79^th floor which resulted in great loss. The structures present TV tower was previously planned as a mooring tower for Air blimps. From the year 1931 this edifice is represented as the "Ambassador to New York.” There are also two restaurants, a sushi bar, drug shop, post office, banks, card shop and coffee shops. The lobby also includes exhibits that comprises of photographs, posters, “King Kong” memorabilia and other records. Items from Fay Wray’s personal collections are also displayed.

http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_history.cfm

http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/index.cfm

Observatory:

The observatory section situated in the 86^th and the 102^nd floor is the most popular feature of the Empire State Building. You can have a remarkable view of the metropolis just by visiting the 86^th and the 102^nd floor. It is considered to be the most visited sections for both adults and kids. Around 110 million visitors have experienced this unique experience so far. The 86^th floor, is 320metres high, you can reach the top in some seconds simply by boarding one of the automatic elevators. The 102^nd floor observatory tickets are sold at a price of $15. Tickets are available in the 2^nd floor office. At the Observatories you are able to witness almost all the famous landmarks of New York. 

http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_observatory.cfm

Programs:

The Empire State Building provides attractive packages for families and kids. In the New York Skyride you can experience the excitement of taking a ride on the helicopter and seeing a bird’s eye view of your city. There are also interesting and interactive virtual tour packages of the city designed for kids. The ESB audio tour also offers you a splendid 360 degree view of the city. Many concerts, special events and holiday packages are also available.

http://www.esbnyc.com/kids/index.cfm

http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_observatory.cfm

http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/index.cfm

Admission Timings and Fees:

The Empire State Building can be accessed seven days a week from 9:30a.m., till midnight. Admission is free for all visitors. The Observatory section can also be visited throughout the year. The scheduled timings are from 8a.m. to 2a.m. The admission fees at the building include taxes. The ESB Express pass costs only $41.52.

The ESB Audio tour costs $7.46.

The ESB Observatory tickets costs $17.61, $15.76, $12.07, and $15.76. for adults, students, children and seniors respectively. Military personnel and kids below 2years require no tickets. The ESB Observatory and New York skyride amounts to $41.61 for the adults, $29.76 for students and $28.07 for children and seniors.

http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_observatory.cfm

Museum shop:

The Empire State Building’s consists of a number of food joints ice cream parlors and entertainment centers. This includes Rosa’s pizza shop, Uncle Louie G’s ice cream parlor for your refreshment. Apart from this there are jewelry shops, children and men’s garment shops, Perfumania and Walgreen’s.  

http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism//tourism_shops_restaurants.cfm

Rental:

In Empire State Building space is offered on rent to several organizations. Some of the office leaseholders are Garan, Inc. (1); Accessory Network Group; Alitalia Airlines; Brennan Beer Gorman Architects; Capital Market Services, Inc. and many others.

http://www.esbnycleasing.com/leasing.phtml   

Online Bookings:

You can save your time by applying for tickets online. The members can book their tickets through internet instead of coming down to the building. You get three options of booking the tickets:

• The ESB Observatory tickets give you the pleasure of viewing the whole city. The cost of the tickets varies age wise from adult, youth, child and senior.
• The ESB Express Pass tickets maintain a fixed price for all age. By buying the tickets you can simply save your time. You won’t miss any of your visits.
• You can also be privileged with the combo package of the ESB Observatory and New York Skyride. This is the combination of skyride and theatre on an 18ft/6 meter high IMAX style screen.

https://www.esbnyc.com/tickets/index.cfm