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Unit 4 Theme 4 Art Déco

Hello everyone,

In the 1920s and 1930s, New York showcased their Art Deco architecture and specifically built

skyscrapers. One of the most notable is the Chrysler Building, pictured below.

The Chrysler Building was built in 1928 and opened on 27 May 1930 for the Chrysler

Corporation. Walter P. Chrysler wanted it built for his automobile company, and it embodied the

automotive age together with artistic features such as the eagle suggesting the flying age and the

steel showing the automotive use of steel at that time. Its architect was William Van Allen. The

corner ornaments represented and looked like Chrysler radiator caps, an artistic expression of the

automobile organization on their products. The building was made to stand at an awe-striking

height of 319 meters above the ground, higher than most buildings at the time. It stands in New

York City between Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street. It is made from Art Deco, and its

signature finishing and interior designs symbolize the Chrysler automotive corporation.