10 Best of Architecture in New York City – Buildings and Bridges

10 Best of Architecture in New York City – Buildings and Bridges (5 to 1)

5. Guggenheim Museum. 1071 Fifth Avenue. Architecture Style – Modern. The last great work from American born architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this building is officially called the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and opened in 1959. The building itself has a one of a kind outer appearance as if a white ribbon was wrapped around a pole. Many believe this work of art is superior to the actual art pieces within. Contrary to popular belief, George Costanza was not an architect on the new addition.

4. Brooklyn Bridge. Between Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn Heights. Architecture Style – Neo-Gothic. The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John Augustus Roebling. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge crosses the East River and is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US. It was also the first land pass between Brooklyn and Manhattan and the longest suspension bridge in the world until 1903.

3. Flatiron Building. 175 Fifth Avenue. Architecture Style – Beaux-Arts. The Flatiron Building was designed by architect Daniel Burnham of Chicago who at the time mastered the technique of building tall structures. Officially named the Fuller Building, this uniquely shaped building is nicknamed the Flatiron Building because its triangle shape resembled clothing irons of the time. The name became so popular the district surrounding the building is called the Flatiron District. At 22 stories tall when completed in 1902, the Flatiron Building was one of the first skyscrapers built out of steel in the city, and one of the worlds tallest buildings.

2. Chrysler Building. 405 Lexington Avenue. Architecture Style – Art Deco. Architect William Van Alen designed this building for Walter P. Chrysler. Completed in 1930, the Chrysler Building moved away from the Beaux-Arts architectural style in favor of the then popular Art Deco style, a modern style based on geometric shapes. In 1931, this NYC skyscraper was the tallest building in the world for 11 months until the Empire State Building was completed at over 1,000 feet. With gargoyles resembling hood ornaments, the unique terraced crown, and other unique auto industry influenced features, I find this the most beautiful skyscraper in the city.

1. Grand Central Terminal. 87 East 42nd Street. Architecture Style – Beaux-Arts Classical, a combination of Greek and Roman architecture with Renaissance influences popular in the US between the 1820s and 1920s. The most famous Beaux-Arts style building in New York City. Often mistakenly called Grand Central Station, Grand Central Terminal was rebuilt over the original train station to accommodate the increasing rail lines from 1903 to 1913. The design of the building was completed by the two architectural firms of Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore.

10 Best of Architecture in New York City – Buildings and Bridges (10 to 6)

Read our other lists on New York City’s Culture & History.