Visit the stunning 77-floor Chrysler Building, one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. Take the chance to appreciate not only the impressive art deco architecture, but the history of the great tower and what it stood for when it was built almost a century ago.

The Chrysler Building was the brainchild of automobile mogul Walter P. Chrysler. He commissioned architect William Van Alen to design the largest and most impressive building the world had ever seen as his headquarters. Although he was almost beaten to the title by the Bank of America’s equally ambitious project, Chrysler took the crown with a building which soared 1,046 feet (318 meters) over the city below. However, the glory was short-lived. Look across the skyline today and you will notice the iconic Empire State Building, an even bigger building completed just 11 months later.

Before getting up close to the Chrysler Building, appreciate its enormity from a distance. Stand on the corner of Third Avenue and 44th Street and you will get a full view of the tall, slender building with its magnificent spire. Another great view is from the top of the Empire State Building, where binoculars will reveal the details on the façade of the building, which include steel eagles, gargoyles and basket-weave motifs.

Step inside the grand lobby of the building and be amazed by the extravagant décor. Materials from around the globe found their way into the design: African marble, Japanese ash, oriental walnut and Cuban plum-pudding wood. Notice the veneered elevators and gaze skywards to see the vast mural Transport and Human Endeavor, painted by Edward Trumbull. It is one of the largest murals in the world, measuring 97 feet by 110 feet (29 meters by 33 meters) and depicts scenes of Chrysler’s assembly line and modes of transport.

The Chrysler Building is an unmistakable feature of New York’s skyline. Find it at 405 Lexington Avenue and enter the lobby for free. It is open Monday to Friday.