Chrysler Building is one of the most famous skyscrapers in Manhattan, and in my opinion, the most beautiful one. Moreover, there is a nice story regarding the construction of it, which makes it a bit more interesting.

Several buildings were under construction at the same time and were competing to be the tallest building in the world. According to the plans, the Chrysler Building and the one in 40 Wall Street were leading this competition, being this latter replanned to be two feet taller than the Chrysler Building. That looked like the final result, when both buildings’ structure was finished, but there was still a surprise to come.

During the last weeks of contruction, the characteristic dome of the Chrysler Building, was secretly prepared, and in less than two hours, they installed it on top of the structure. With this last-minute change, the Chrysler Building became the tallest building in the world, until the Empire State Building was built a few years later.