NEW YORK
FACT EXCHANGE

Manhattan · NYC landmark

Graybar Building

420 Lexington Avenue · Manhattan, New York City

A railroad office tower uses electrical symbols and climbing rats to tell its story.

Save and Boost open this place in the interactive map. An account is needed to save; Boost opens its options before payment.

Graybar Building
Photo: Epicgenius · CC BY-SA 4.0

NYFE Summary

Graybar Electric occupied its headquarters here from 1927 to 1982. The office floors were built above railroad tracks and train platforms.

Robed figures around the entrances hold symbols of air, water, earth and fire. At the southern entrance, small metal rats climb the canopy supports. The architect chose them as a reference to the city’s seaport.

NYFE summary from the official history and visitor sources linked below.

Plan a visit

Check the operator’s current opening, admission and access information before travelling. Historic status does not guarantee public access to every interior.

Official visitor information ↗

Sources & further reading

More to explore in Manhattan