11 Facts About the Empire State Building Most Tourists Will Likely Never Know

The Iconic Empire State Building

Nearly a century after it became synonymous with New York’s skyline, this architectural icon still has plenty of stories up its steel sleeve. Here are some facts you probably didn’t know about the Empire State building.

The Almost-Airship Dock

Would you believe they wanted to park blimps at the top of the Empire State Building?

The pointy top was built as a place for airships to dock, proposed by Alfred E. Smith in 1929. They tried it once with a German airship, but strong winds made it too dangerous. The building’s spire is now used as a broadcasting tower.

Art Deco Style Architecture

Designed by William F. Lamb, the Empire State Building gleams under New York’s skyline, with a spire rising 1,454 feet. It was once the tallest structure in the world.

The Art Deco lobby features shimmering limestone walls and intricate murals, while aluminum accents add a futuristic aesthetic.

Its Own Special Mail Code

The Empire State Building is so big that it needs its own ZIP code: 10118. Inside, about 150 companies and 20,000 workers handle more mail than many small towns.

The basement even has its own post office and a dedicated team to sort and distribute mail efficiently.

The Secret Top Floor

Above the famous observation deck, there’s a hidden floor most people never see.

The 103rd floor is a tiny room with windows offering breathtaking views, usually only accessed by maintenance workers or VIP guests. It remains one of the most exclusive spots in New York.

Weather Watcher

Since 1978, the Empire State Building has hosted a weather station on the 86th floor, providing real-time data for meteorologists and the National Weather Service.

It tracks wind speed, temperature, air pressure, and visibility, making it one of the most reliable urban weather stations.

Lightning Magnet

Lightning strikes the Empire State Building about 23 times a year, making it one of the most frequently struck structures in the world. Special copper cables safely channel the electricity from the top to the ground, ensuring the strikes don’t affect the building or its occupants.

Empty Building Success Story

During the Great Depression, the Empire State Building struggled with low occupancy rates. To generate revenue, they charged visitors 50 cents to visit the observation deck. This creative strategy helped keep the building financially stable during its early years.

Special Elevators

The Empire State Building was the first skyscraper with operator-less elevators. Today, its 73 high-speed elevators can travel at about 1,000 feet per minute, reaching the 86th floor in just 1.5 minutes. The system uses intelligent dispatching to optimize traffic flow and minimize wait times.

Exquisite Artwork

The main lobby of the Empire State Building showcases ornate gold-leaf murals and decorative marble walls. In 2019, a hidden painting sealed behind a wall since the 1960s was discovered, featuring intricate patterns reminiscent of the Art Deco era’s luxurious style.

Earth-Friendly Giant

Despite its age, the Empire State Building is one of the most energy-efficient skyscrapers in the world. A major sustainability overhaul reduced its energy consumption by 38%. Upgrades included smart temperature controls, refurbished windows, and the reuse of over 96% of its original materials.