Image of the Day: 81 years ago today, the Chrysler Building opened
On May 27, 1930 the Chrysler Building opened to the public and officially became the tallest man-made building in the world. Although the Empire State Building (1,250 feet) quickly surpassed the Chrysler Building (1,046 feet), Walter Chrysler's battle against the Bank of Manhattan Trust Company for the title of world's tallest building has been called "the most intense race in skyscraper history."
Every day, DVICE selects a fresh image from the wonderful world of technology. See them all by clicking this link.
Via PBS
View Images
The Chrysler Building as seen from the Empire State Building. [Source]
Detail of the art deco styling. [Source]
The iconic gargoyles. [Source]
From the ground. [Source]
The iconic spire. [Source]
The Chrysler Building under construction in 1928. It would take two years and $20 million of the day's dollars. [Source]
Initial proposals for the Chrysler Building. From Heading East: "Apparently the Chrysler board liked the 2nd proposal, but Chrysler himself didn't think it was modern enough, and pushed the architect to do better eventually leading to the final design. The final decision was made by two men: Chrysler the client and Van Alen the architect with no committees or boards to dull the boldness of the design. Architectural critics of the day hated it by the way which tells you a little something about architectural critics."
