'The Chrysler Building: History of the Art Deco Skyscraper' Webinar

If it wasn't for intense competition in the automobile industry and a personal rivalry among two architects, the Chrysler Building in New York City probably wouldn’t have been the iconic and beloved sky-scraping tower that we know and love today. How did one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers, and an impressive example of high Art Deco architectural design, come to grace the NYC skyline? Also, what role did it play in New York's skyscraper boom and relentless rise in the 1920s and '30s? It's time to uncover the incredible story and colorful characters behind one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the history behind the construction and design of the Chrysler Building (1930), from its secret plans to be the tallest building in the world to its top-ten ranking in the 21st century as America’s Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.

Led by NYC Tour Guide Ginny Poleman, our digital showcase of the once tallest building in the world will include:

• The origins of the building's conception, from why the Chrysler Corporation didn't want it to be its headquarters to why the company didn't actually own the building or Midtown East plot it was to be built on
• How and why the building's design had to be kept a secret from the press and competitors
• A discussion of Chrysler Corporation Founder Walter Chrysler and his heavy involvement of the building's construction, from the automotive motifs, to the 'spare no expense' lobby, to refusing to pay architect William Van Alen for his design
• Rare images of the Chrysler Building including ones taken throughout its construction as well as daredevil images taken throughout the decades by photographers like Margaret Bourke-White
• The history of the Cloud Club, a lunch club that once occupied the 66th-68th floors, and how the space could make a comeback in the coming years
• The Chrysler Building today, including its new owners and ongoing renovation plans to attract office tenants

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Ginny — any and all questions about the Chrysler Building during this period are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Ginny

Ginny Poleman is a graduate of Cornell University, a licensed NYC tour guide, docent for the Municipal Art Society, as well as an educational and costume collection guide for New York’s largest art museum. Additionally, she offers private tours for her own company, NYC Encounters, covering New York City Art, Architecture, and History. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @Art_Encounters and @NYC.Encounters.

T estimonials

" So much interesting information" -Joseph

" Have always marveled at this building. Loved knowing the history. Excellent presentation and speaker." -Judith

" I've long admired the Chrysler building as a NYC icon, but new nothing about it's history. Now, I cannot WAIT for it to reopen so that I can visit in person. I look forward to attending more presentations/tours by the woman who led this one. She is fabulous." -Colleen

" It had things i didn't know about and great pix!" -Linda

" Extremely knowledgeable speaker with some wonderful photographs and video content." -Charlotte

" It was really well organized, and the instructor had deep knowledge." -Jennifer

" Learning about the architects’ and builders’ competitiveness to build tallest. And seeing the pictures of the Cloud Club and offices, the dentist’s, in particular." -Neal

" The quality of the presentation and the content of the images to illustrate the points made." -Janette

" Photos and video not seen before. Financial info." -Carolyn

" Loved the background on those involved with the different buildings. Loved the photos of the rooms and murals." -Marilyn

" Another terrific job by Ginny. Well-researched and highly detailed presentation." -Michael

" Well done, good use of photos and videos." -Wayne

" Great information, lots I didn't know" -Susan

" The topic, the presenter, the information, the photos, the videos." -Ellen

" The Chrysler building is the star!" -Laurie

" I love history in general, and it's always exciting to have details on specific events and historical buildings and monuments. It helps weave a better picture of the life and times when these these events happened or structures were created. Love the details. Love the photos." -Todd

" I loved the old photos." -Ellen

" Ginny is great! Can’t wait for a walking tour with her!" -Richard

" Good quality material and presented very well. My first in your programming. I’ll be a regular!" -Elizabeth

" The lecturer was VERY knowledgeable, and she presented an outstanding collection of photos and videos!" -Harold

" Very complete, logical organization and very good visuals" -Leon

"informative, with very personable presenter" -Carl

" Absolutely fascinating with great visuals even though I could not watch the videos due to my fear of heights." -Martha

" I enjoyed the information and the pictures and videos, both current and past. The photos of inside the spire were great." -Melissa

" Historical records, photos, bios, motivations" -Andy

" Such great content and details and pictures." -Noelle

" The evolution of the road network in the area and the discussion of the pre-existing structures was interesting, as was the assemblage of period interior photographs of the building." -Stephen

" An interesting history of how the building came to be, and who the principal players were" -Joe

" I found out things I did not know" -Melissa

" Presenter was interesting, informatve and creative" -Edith

" Speaker knowledgeable, lively, well organized, with good visual material." -Dorie

" Excellent presentation of: art, history, architectural styles, architects and their relationships with other people. Photographs used in the presentation are extraordinary. I will stand in front of the Chrysler building and stare at it longer than usual. (May I not be arrested for loitering and using binoculars in midtown NYC. I am giggling as I type.) It is literally my favorite art deco style building. Thanks for helping me truly "see" it." -Annette

" Great photos! Adding the 2 video sections was an unexpected plus." -Michele

" Seeing details impossible to see from street level ; seeing interiors" -Tom

" Extremely knowledgeable. Excellent slides. Would love to hear more of her presentations." -Leontine

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Categories: Virtual, Landmarks

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club