Prior to the Empire State Building, the U.S. lineup of tall towers included the Metropolitan Life Tower at 700 feet built in 1909, followed by the 729-foot Woolworth Building in 1913, and finally the 927-foot Bank of Manhattan Building in 1929. read more
The Empire State Building measures 1,454 feet from its base to the tip of the lightning rod. It has 102 floors and, at the time of construction in 1931, was the tallest building in the world. It held that title for over 40 years, until the north tower of the World Trade Center was built in 1972. read more
The Empire State Building was officially opened on May 1, 1931, forty five days ahead of its projected opening date, by United States President Herbert Hoover, who turned on the building's lights with the ceremonial button push from Washington, D.C.. read more