The Chanin Building New York
Centre of an Art Deco Midway
When you go to see the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, set aside some time to see The Daily News building (220 East 42nd Street, fictional office building/headquarters of The Daily Planet, employer of the mild-mannered Clark Kent) and the Chanin Building (122 East 42nd Street), both within a block or so.
Both are remarkable Art Deco masterpieces. There are few tourists eyeballing Clark Kent's place of work, the lobby of which contains an enormous, rotating, world globe. I think I heard it is the world's largest.
Both buildings are adorned with reliefs that are clearly in the Art Deco style, The Chanin building's are bronze, and in its lobby are some mesmerizing abstracted bronze grills. It's right across 42nd Street from Grand Central.
Nearby, on the corner of 51st and Lexington, is the General Electric Building. Another Art Deco masterpiece, it was originally built to house the RCA enterprise, then a subsidiary of GE. But shortly afterward, RCA moved to Rockefeller Center, leaving this as the GE corporate headquarters building.
On it look for decorations of lightning bolts representing the 'power' of electricity and, in its crown, exuberant tracery work intended to evoke the 'look' of radio waves.
It is always worthwhile to try to gain entrance to the lobbies of these kinds of buildings. It is not always possible, but if you succeed, you may be awed. Remember, these are not knockoffs, they are original statements of American Art Deco design practice.
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Don Alejo Coffee
Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icons' Homes
James, James & Dorothy
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heckscher Field/Central Park
Broadway show league
"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Verdi Square
People Watching
This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
74St Café
American overlooking Beacon Theater
Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Monumental Women
Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Der Krung
Best Thai spot in town
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
Christian
Neely
Apthorp Cleaners
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
