New York city has been a major player in America’s history and has several iconic landmarks that call attention to itself and have captured the hearts of many tourists.
The city is famed for its striking skyscrapers, cathedrals and theaters. Here are some of the best iconic landmarks in NYC you should not miss.
1. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Although it is primarily known for its world famous observation deck, there are plenty of other things to see and do on site.
The building was designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and was constructed between 1930 and 1931. It was designed to be the tallest building in the world, which it eventually became.
Construction began on March 17th, 1930 and was finished 13 months later. Its opening ceremony took place on May 1st, 1931, and was attended by President Herbert Hoover.
2. Flatiron Building
Built in 1902, the Flatiron Building (formerly known as the Fuller Building) is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. It has a storied history and was one of the first skyscrapers in the country to use steel skeletons.
Originally designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, the building was intended to serve as the headquarters of a contracting company. It’s triangular shape maximized its footprint on a scrap of land set alongside Fifth Avenue, Broadway and 22nd and 23rd Streets.
The Flatiron Building is a steel-framed structure covered with limestone and glazed terracotta. Its facade is adorned with gargoyles, fleur-de-lis and eagles.
3. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The Neo-Gothic design of this Midtown landmark contrasts starkly with Art Deco Rockefeller Center, making it one of the most famous architectural landmarks in the city. The cathedral was built in 1878 and designed by architect James Renwick.
The church was built to accommodate the large number of Irish emigrants who came to New York City during the 19th century due to the Irish Potato Famine. The Irish Catholic population quickly became a prominent group of immigrants in the city and was deeply committed to their Saintly devotions.
The church is known for its titanic bronze doors, beautiful high altar, and rich Neo-Gothic architecture. Its interior features elaborate stained glass windows and relief sculptures. Its high altar is particularly impressive, with a 57-foot bronze canopy that glitters gold against the white marble arches.
4. New York Public Library
The massive New York Public Library sits on Fifth Avenue near Grand Central Terminal, in a building that’s one of the city’s most beautiful Beaux-Arts masterpieces. This iconic landmark was constructed in the early 1900s and cost $9 million to build.
The Library’s earliest beginnings can be traced back to 1754, when a group of civic-minded individuals formed the Library Society and believed that a library “would be useful as well as ornamental to the city.”
In 1895, the New York Public Library was formed, combining two early private libraries and creating a truly public institution for the first time in American history. Today, the Library is part of a larger nonprofit organization known as The New York Public Library, Astor Lenox and Tilden Foundations.
5. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a transport hub that serves New York City and its surrounding suburbs. It is also a popular destination for tourists who want to experience some of Manhattan’s iconic architecture.
When it opened in 1913, Grand Central Terminal was unlike any other terminal before. It was home to art galleries, an art school and a movie theater.
It was also one of the world’s first fully electric buildings. This allowed the station to be a cleaner environment for passengers.
Over time, Grand Central Terminal has become a destination that continues to evolve. The most recent renovations have aimed to keep the iconic building’s beauty and functionality intact.
