Whether it’s the Empire State Building’s features in movies and television shows, or its viral TikToks and tweets, the world is well aware of the iconic landmark. But with a history that spans more than 94 years, the “World’s Most Famous Building” has its secrets. From its hidden corridors to its lesser-known historical roles, this architectural marvel is rich in tales.
Uncover the secrets of the Empire State Building below.
1 - There is an old bank vault in the basement
The building’s lower level houses the operations side, where the electrician and engineer offices, steam room, uniform room, storage rooms, and more all reside. Hidden among the corridors, there is an abandoned bank vault that originally belonged to a former tenant at the Empire State Building. The vault is so massive and heavy that it has remained in the building for decades since the tenant’s departure.
2 - The building has its own wind tunnels
The building doesn’t stop at its lower level; a series of wind tunnels sit just beneath. At 55 feet underground, these towering tunnels once pushed fresh air up to cool the building’s lower floors. The Empire State Building still benefits from wind today, as the building is 100% powered by renewable wind.
3 - There is a celebrity green room and corridor
The Empire State Building hosts more than 200 celebrity guests each year, but where do they lounge before their visit? Tucked away near the Observatory lobby, there is a celebrity green room where famous actors, musicians, dancers, athletes, dignitaries, and more relax before they visit the Empire State Building’s immersive exhibits and views. From Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker to Cindi Lauper and Joe Torre, tons of celebrities have graced this hidden room.
4 - The lobby ceiling restoration took longer than the construction of the building itself
The Empire State Building’s celestial ceiling is one of the building’s most iconic features, but did you know that it was once obscured by another ceiling? Once discovered after a change in building ownership, the restoration process for the ceiling began and took more two years to complete – longer than the construction timeline of entire Empire State Building! The ceiling was meticulously recreated with 2,300 square feet of 23-karat gold leaf.
What is your favorite secret about the Empire State Building? Follow us on social to learn more and visit the Empire State Building Observatory to discover some secrets of your own.
