Metropolitan Life Tower

Address

1 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Why you should visit

The Metropolitan Life Tower, standing as a historic landmark in New York City, offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Its iconic presence and rich history make it a must-visit for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of early 20th-century New York.

Interesting Information

  • Designed by the architectural firm of Napoleon LeBrun & Sons, the Metropolitan Life Tower was completed in 1909 and stood as the world’s tallest building until 1913, reaching a height of 700 feet with 50 stories.
  • The tower features a distinct pyramidal cap adorned with a large, four-sided clock face, each measuring 26.5 feet in diameter, making it one of the largest clocks in the world at the time of its construction.
  • During World War II, the tower served as a navigational landmark for pilots due to its visibility from afar and distinct design, aiding in guiding planes to and from nearby airports.
  • The observation deck atop the tower, originally open to the public, offered panoramic views of the city and was a popular tourist attraction until its closure in the 1940s.
  • Notably, the tower’s lobby features intricate mosaic murals designed by muralist James Wall Finn, depicting various scenes of New York City life and history, adding an artistic touch to the building’s interior.
  • Despite being surpassed in height by subsequent skyscrapers, the Metropolitan Life Tower remains an architectural gem, showcasing the Beaux-Arts style with its intricate detailing, including ornate carvings and decorative elements throughout the facade.
  • The tower’s exterior is adorned with sculptures symbolizing commerce, industry, navigation, and light, embodying the themes of progress and prosperity prevalent during the early 20th century.
  • For architecture enthusiasts, the Metropolitan Life Tower serves as a prime example of the City Beautiful movement, which aimed to enhance urban environments through grand, aesthetically pleasing structures that reflected civic pride and cultural values.
  • The tower’s construction cost an estimated $13 million, a considerable sum at the time, reflecting the ambitious vision of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to establish a monumental headquarters that would symbolize its prominence in the insurance industry.
  • Today, the Metropolitan Life Tower stands as a designated New York City landmark and is a testament to the city’s enduring architectural legacy, attracting visitors with its timeless elegance and Historical Significance.