Great Escape: The Chrysler Building

Anyone who's ever stood opposite of  Manhattan Island, soaking in the beautiful landscape now synonymous with New York City is amply familiar with William Van Alen's art deco tower known simply as the Chrysler Building.

Still how many out there have actually been inside the lobby of this iconic New York building and stared up at the ceiling fresco "Transport and Human Endeavor" painted by Edward Trumbull.

Our guess is not very many, which is why we've chosen the Chrysler Building as this week's Great Escape.

Built between 1928 and 1930 by architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building is far from the typical New York City tourist attractions—no observation deck, nor guided tours.

Even so, it's among one of several must see slices of New York City history.

With 77 stories standing over 1046 feet tall, the Chrysler Building's exterior features a trademark shiny vertex, stainless-steel eagle head hood ornaments, Chrysler radiator caps decorating the buildings crown as well as racing cars on the 31st floor.

Not to mention it was at one time the tallest building in the world—even if only for a few short months.

Today, the Chrysler Building is an active office building, but one which offers free admission to anyone interested in experiencing first the architectural brilliance of an iconic city structure that dates back to the early twentieth century.

So you don't have to spend a lot to enjoy a truly one of a kind New York City experience.