The Chrysler Building stands as one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks. Built during the height of the skyscraper race, it remains a beloved symbol of the city’s skyline.
This quiz looks at the design secrets, materials, and history of this iconic tower. You will see questions about its famous spire, the automotive details in its ornament, and the architect behind its shape.
Once you finish, take a look at our quizzes on skyscrapers and towers or study classic architectural styles. We also have trivia covering major art movements.
In which city is the Chrysler Building located?
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
New York City
New York City
Chicago
Chicago
The Chrysler Building is considered a masterpiece of which architectural style?
Art Deco
Art Deco
Brutalist
Brutalist
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival
Beaux-Arts
Beaux-Arts
Which architect designed the Chrysler Building?
William Van Alen
William Van Alen
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright
Cass Gilbert
Cass Gilbert
Louis Sullivan
Louis Sullivan
In what year was the construction of the Chrysler Building completed?
1928
1928
1926
1926
1932
1932
1930
1930
The distinctive, sunburst-patterned spire of the Chrysler Building is clad in what material?
Aluminum
Aluminum
Copper
Copper
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Bronze
Bronze
During the 1930 race for the title of the world’s tallest building, which skyscraper was the Chrysler Building’s primary rival?
40 Wall Street
40 Wall Street
Empire State Building
Empire State Building
Woolworth Building
Woolworth Building
The Singer Building
The Singer Building
Which animal’s head was used for the 61st-floor gargoyles on the Chrysler Building, inspired by Plymouth hood ornaments?
Panther
Panther
Eagle
Eagle
Lion
Lion
Falcon
Falcon
Which automobile parts are represented in the decorative brickwork frieze on the 31st floor of the Chrysler Building?
Exhaust pipes and bumpers
Exhaust pipes and bumpers
Steering wheels and headlights
Steering wheels and headlights
Hubcaps and fenders
Hubcaps and fenders
Engines and spark plugs
Engines and spark plugs
Who was the architect responsible for the design of the Chrysler Building?
Raymond Hood
Raymond Hood
Shreve, Lamb & Harmon
Shreve, Lamb & Harmon
Cass Gilbert
Cass Gilbert
William Van Alen
William Van Alen
Approximately how many months did it take to construct the Chrysler Building, from groundbreaking to completion?
24 months
24 months
16 months
16 months
20 months
20 months
28 months
28 months
For how long did the Chrysler Building hold the title of the world’s tallest building before being surpassed by the Empire State Building?
19 months
19 months
11 months
11 months
15 months
15 months
7 months
7 months
What primary material was used for the exterior facade of the Chrysler Building below the spire section?
Granite
Granite
Limestone
Limestone
Marble
Marble
Brick
Brick
How many floors does the Chrysler Building have?
80 floors
80 floors
71 floors
71 floors
77 floors
77 floors
74 floors
74 floors
The spire of the Chrysler Building uses a specific type of corrosion-resistant stainless steel known by what brand name at the time?
Monel metal
Monel metal
Cor-Ten steel
Cor-Ten steel
Invar alloy
Invar alloy
Nirosta steel
Nirosta steel
What automotive parts inspired the distinctive winged metal ornaments on the 31st floor of the Chrysler Building?
Exhaust pipes
Exhaust pipes
Radiator caps
Radiator caps
Headlight casings
Headlight casings
Steering wheels
Steering wheels
The Chrysler Building was never owned by the Chrysler Corporation; who financed the project?
The company’s chief engineer
The company’s chief engineer
The company’s lead designer
The company’s lead designer
The company’s majority shareholder
The company’s majority shareholder
The company’s founder
The company’s founder
The Chrysler Building is situated at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and which New York City street?
42nd Street
42nd Street
50th Street
50th Street
34th Street
34th Street
57th Street
57th Street
The building’s design, particularly the spire, was heavily influenced by the speed and energy of which early 20th-century artistic movement?
Classical Greek geometry
Classical Greek geometry
Eiffel Tower aesthetic
Eiffel Tower aesthetic
Futurism’s dynamic movement
Futurism’s dynamic movement
Nature-inspired Art Nouveau
Nature-inspired Art Nouveau
The lobby of the Chrysler Building famously features which specific design homage to its namesake industry?
Dedicated bowling alley for employees
Dedicated bowling alley for employees
Automobile-themed showroom lobby
Automobile-themed showroom lobby
Underground train station entrance
Underground train station entrance
Central heating system
Central heating system
What distinct material lines the lobby walls of the Chrysler Building?
Stained glass
Stained glass
Polished brass
Polished brass
Red Moroccan marble
Red Moroccan marble
Italian travertine
Italian travertine
Why does the famous spire of the Chrysler Building lack any major communication broadcasting equipment compared to other historic skyscrapers?
Spire maintenance is prohibitively expensive.
Spire maintenance is prohibitively expensive.
Zoning laws prevent antennas on historical buildings.
Zoning laws prevent antennas on historical buildings.
The building is too short for an antenna.
The building is too short for an antenna.
The spire was designed to be purely ornamental.
The spire was designed to be purely ornamental.
What medium was used to create the large ceiling artwork in the lobby, depicting modern progress?
Oil paint on canvas
Oil paint on canvas
Detailed wood carvings
Detailed wood carvings
Inlaid African marble
Inlaid African marble
Obsidian and brass mosaics
Obsidian and brass mosaics
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