American Radiator Building

The American Radiator Building is an Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan with black brick walls accented by gold-colored terracotta decorative elements. The structure rises across twenty-three stories and defines the skyline through its distinctive composition of dark masonry and shimmering ornamental details.

Architects Raymond Hood and André Fouilhoux designed this structure in 1924, marking a shift from classical Beaux-Arts style to modern design principles. The project represented a turning point that moved beyond traditional architectural conventions and introduced new approaches to skyscraper design.

The building became a symbol of American modernization in the 1920s and continues to attract artists and art lovers today. Its dramatic black facade and glowing windows have made it a subject for photographers and painters seeking to capture urban beauty.

The building sits near Bryant Park and can be viewed from the street; many visitors photograph the facade from the nearby plaza. The best time to capture the structure's colors is during early morning or evening hours when light enhances the contrast of black and gold surfaces.

The foundation incorporates Swedish granite at its base, giving the structure an unexpected material richness. Medieval-style grotesque carvings are integrated into the decorative stone elements, weaving historical references into the modern design language.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1924

Architects: Raymond Hood, J. André Fouilhoux

Architectural style: Art Deco architecture

Floors above the ground: 23

Elevators: 3

Height: 103 m

Address: 40 West 40th Street

Website: https://bryantparkhotel.com

GPS coordinates: 40.75281,-73.98378

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:02