Hubcaps, eagles, and sunbursts: The Chrysler Building exposed -

The Chrysler Building in New York City is one of the world's most recognized landmarks. But there's far more to this Art Deco masterpiece than meets the eye. Browse this gallery and discover the birds, fenders, and hubcaps that decorate this celebrated skyscraper.

(Left photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0) (Right photo:Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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The Chrysler Building - Including the antenna spire, the Chrysler Building is 318 m (1,046 ft) tall. It's located on the East Side of midtown Manhattan.

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A '30s landmark - Completed in May 1930, the Chrysler Building was the word's tallest building for 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931.

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Standing tall - But for those 11 months this Art Deco masterpiece stood above everything else in the midtown area of Manhattan.

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Fairground attraction - Pictured is the Chrysler Building, circa 1950, and the Daily News Building, seen through a Ferris Wheel at a neighboring street fair on Second Avenue.

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A giant among giants - Today, the Chrysler is the eighth-tallest building in New York City, tied with The New York Times building.

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City lights - The Chrysler seen from the observation level of the Empire State Building.

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Walter Chrysler - The building is named after Walter Chrysler (1875–1940), founder of the Chrysler Corporation, who personally financed its construction.

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Critical response - When it opened, the building received mixed reviews. Some critics derided the design as inane; others celebrated it as daring and iconic. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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William Van Alen - A striking example of Art Deco architecture, the Chrysler Building was designed by American architect William Van Alen (1883–1954), who was commissioned by real estate developer and former New York Senator William H. Reynolds.

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Hubcaps and fenders - Walter Chrysler intended to make the building the Chrysler Corporation's headquarters. As such, Van Alen modeled various architecture details after Chrysler automobile products. Note the hubcap and fender motifs on the 31st floor in this photograph. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Automobile design influence - Exaggerated hood ornaments from the Plymouth automobile like this radiator cap were incorporated into the facade's design. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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American eagle - The American bald eagles on the 61st floor were designed specifically to signify flight. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0)

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Power and glory - The eagles also exemplify the advanced machine age of the 1920s.

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Ornamented facade - Around 50 metal ornaments protrude at the building's corners on five floors, all crafted from polished Norista stainless steel.

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Iconic New York City skyline - The building's distinctive Art Deco crown and spire is a familiar New York City skyline feature. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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The lobby - Walter Chrysler demanded the building's lobby impress other architects and automobile magnates. After some deliberating, architect Van Alen produced a triangular-shaped lobby—regarded as a paragon of the Art Deco style. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Lavish decor - Pictured are the building's entrance doors with surrounding walls covered by huge slabs of African red granite. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Intimate atmosphere - The building's 43rd Street entrance. Dim lighting lends the lobby an intimate though somewhat subdued quality.

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Privileged address - The distinctive sign set above the 43rd Street entrance.

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Shedding light on the subject - Interior lighting is distinguished by a series of attractive Art Deco lamps. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Going up in the world - Thirty-two elevators serve the skyscraper. Van Alen designed these elevators over the course of a year, the interiors of which are inlaid with eight types of exotic wood. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Art Deco detail - Stainless steel Art Deco-style hand railings embellish the lower level lobby of the Chrysler.

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Solid and imposing - The Lexington Avenue side of the skyscraper.

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The Manhattan unicorn - A view of the Chrysler Building spire from the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center.

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Reflections of excellence - The Chrysler reflected in the Grand Hyatt Hotel building.

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Crowning achievement - The Chrysler's terraced crown is the building's most recognized feature. Composed of seven radiating terraced arches, the crown's pattern resembles a metallic sunburst.

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Evening sunburst - The crown's numerous triangular vaulted windows are especially prominent when illuminated at night.

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Super view - A surreal view of the Chrysler's crown as the 2016 supermoon sets behind the building.

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A patriotic image - Flags and the Chrysler Building are reflected in a window during an Independence Day holiday weekend in New York City.

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Graceful architecture - The graceful lines of the Chrysler provide a pleasing architectural contrast against some of the more rigid block-like skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan.

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