Rose Hill in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

New York Life Building

Designated Landmark New York City

Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 2, 2016

1. New York Life Building Marker

Inscription. The 40-story New York Life Building, completed in 1928, is one of the most prominent structures built in New York City between World War I and World War II. By adding Neo-Gothic ornamentation to a setback skyscraper, noted architect Cass Gilbert created a significant transition from the historic revival style skyscrapers of the early 20th Century to the sleek towers of the Art Deco period. The superstructure’s golden pyramidal roof helps define New York City’s imposing skyline. Rising above Madison Square, the building is a powerful example of corporate architecture, symbolizing the New York Life Insurance Company’s financial strength and stability.

Erected 2000 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 40° 44.579′ N, 73° 59.183′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Rose Hill. It is on Madison Avenue near East 27th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Madison, New York NY 10016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker: A different marker also named The New York Life Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Chester Alan Arthur (within shouting distance of this marker); New York Life Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Let It Grow! (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to All Victims of the Holocaust (within shouting distance of this marker); Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); David Glasgow Farragut (about 400 feet away); Metropolitan Life Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Admiral Farragut Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Regarding New York Life Building. The building is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".

Also see . . .
1. New York Life Building. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Lost Original Madison Square Garden -- Madison Ave and 26th Street. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

3. . (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
4. Stanford White's Lost 1900 Madison Square Garden

New York Life Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 2, 2016

2. New York Life Building

. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 520 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.