New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A landmark · Midtown · on one New York Dearest list

New York Life Building

Worth it. One of the most common questions I get asked is, “what’s the name of the gold capped building in New York City?” That, my friends, is the New York Life Building.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizFrom my list My favorite New York City buildings
An aerial view of Midtown Manhattan rooftops with the golden-topped New York Life Building at center.
Address
51 Madison Ave Directions

The list it’s on

Worth it. Been? Say if you agree.
Worth it

The headquarters of the New York Life Insurance Company, beyond its architectural beauty, the New York Life Building is a symbol of the city’s economic history.

What I wrote thereFold it away

One of the most common questions I get asked is, “what’s the name of the gold capped building in New York City?” That, my friends, is the New York Life Building. Built in the Gothic Revival style, it was completed in 1928 and topped with a gold pyramid roof to ensure it would become one of the most famous buildings in New York City.

The original roof was made from real gold (yes, really), but it eroded over time and was replaced with painted tiles. Reaching heights of 615 feet, the New York Life Building is a striking sight to behold, especially from afar, where it becomes clear that the epic NYC skyline wouldn’t be the same without it.

The headquarters of the New York Life Insurance Company, beyond its architectural beauty, the New York Life Building is a symbol of the city’s economic history. It reflects the growth and development of both the insurance industry and New York City as a financial powerhouse.

Missing something?

Seen a closure, a price that moved or a better one next door?

Tell me. The answer lands on this page.

Tell me

The letter

One email a week when New York changes. A place closes, a date lands.

One a week at most. Unsubscribe in one click.