One of New York's first skyscrapers is called the Flatiron Building, or "Iron" in English. Where the name comes from is quite obvious from the first glance at the building.
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The Iron is one of the leading tourist attractions thanks to its novel pointed and very narrow shape, and you should definitely visit it when wandering around Manhattan.
Architecture and history
The Flatiron Building adheres to the Neo-Renaissance style like many New York buildings built in the early 20th century. The architect Daniel Burnham did well with the triangular space between 5th Avenue and Broadway and copied the shape of the building from the site.
At its narrowest rounded tip, the "Iron" is just 2 metres wide and at its widest it is less than 25 metres, which together with its height of 87 metres creates a very slim and subtle impression.
The building was completed in 1902, and its then-new steel structure made it the second tallest building in New York after the Park Row Building.
How to get to the Flatiron Building?
The building sits at the southern end of Madison Square Park in Midtown Manhattan and is one of the attractions of both of New York's two main avenues: 5. Avenue and Broadway, which cross here.
Nearest subway station:
- 23 St (about 20 meters): yellow lines R and W
- 23 St (approx. 230 metres): Green Line 6
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