Empire State Plaza, Albany (must see)
The Empire State Plaza, officially known as the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, is a striking and iconic capital center. Conceived by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, the Plaza was designed to be "the most electrifying capital in the world." Rockefeller's vision was brought to life by Wallace K. Harrison, a prominent architect and Rockefeller's personal friend, who was also the chief architect for Rockefeller Center. Construction of the Plaza began in 1965 and was completed in 1978, resulting in a cultural and architectural landmark that attracts thousands of visitors annually.
The Empire State Plaza is a marvel of Modern architecture, consisting of several steel and reinforced concrete buildings clad in imported stone. The only exception is The Egg, a performing arts venue that fully exposes its concrete structure and stands as a Brutalist contrast to the International Style of the other buildings. The entire complex is elevated on a six-story stone-clad Main Platform, supported by over 25,000 steel pilings driven deep into the soft glacial clay beneath. The design of the buildings, with their exterior columns and narrow windows, draws a visual connection to the World Trade Center towers in New York City, which were constructed around the same time.
The sheer scale of the Empire State Plaza is imposing, making it a dominant feature of Albany's skyline. The 44-story Corning Tower, the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City, includes an observation deck on its 42nd floor that offers panoramic views. The Main Platform of the Plaza is one of the largest buildings globally, incorporating 240,000,000 cubic feet of concrete and 600,000 cubic feet of stone sourced from three continents. The Swan Street Building, notable for its length exceeding a quarter of a mile, is inspired by the ancient Egyptian Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Empire State Plaza serves as a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, and during the winter months, one of the Plaza's reflecting pools transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink, adding to its community appeal.
The Empire State Plaza is a marvel of Modern architecture, consisting of several steel and reinforced concrete buildings clad in imported stone. The only exception is The Egg, a performing arts venue that fully exposes its concrete structure and stands as a Brutalist contrast to the International Style of the other buildings. The entire complex is elevated on a six-story stone-clad Main Platform, supported by over 25,000 steel pilings driven deep into the soft glacial clay beneath. The design of the buildings, with their exterior columns and narrow windows, draws a visual connection to the World Trade Center towers in New York City, which were constructed around the same time.
The sheer scale of the Empire State Plaza is imposing, making it a dominant feature of Albany's skyline. The 44-story Corning Tower, the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City, includes an observation deck on its 42nd floor that offers panoramic views. The Main Platform of the Plaza is one of the largest buildings globally, incorporating 240,000,000 cubic feet of concrete and 600,000 cubic feet of stone sourced from three continents. The Swan Street Building, notable for its length exceeding a quarter of a mile, is inspired by the ancient Egyptian Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Empire State Plaza serves as a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, and during the winter months, one of the Plaza's reflecting pools transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink, adding to its community appeal.
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Empire State Plaza on Map
Sight Name: Empire State Plaza
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Albany, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Albany
Creating your own self-guided walk in Albany is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Albany's Historical Buildings Tour
Albany is steeped in history and architectural splendor, featuring a varied collection of buildings that mirror its diverse and layered past. The city鈥檚 architecture ranges from majestic government edifices to prominent educational establishments, highlighting Albany鈥檚 role as a key political and cultural center.
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Albany Introduction Walking Tour
Albany, the state capital of New York, is a small city with a storied canvas that holds a significant place in the narrative of New York and the broader United States.
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles