Seagram Building

This New York landmark was designed by Philip Johnson, developed by Joseph Seagram's & Sons and the main architect was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Completed in 1958, this was Mies dream come true; in it he has delivered his vision of simplicity and clarity. This was a time when construction jobs were difficult to get. The 38 storey International Style tower was later to become the most copied office building. architecture

Upon completion, Seagram became the world's most expensive skyscraper. The steel structure of the architecture is covered with tinted bronze glass. The construction used the most expensive materials and construction equipment. The use of bronze, travertine- a sedimentary rock and expensive green marble added to the construction cost and resulted in a work later celebrated as a city landmark.

Onsite, you can find the famous Four Seasons Restaurant, also designed by Mies and Johnson. You can still enjoy a meal in the 1959 ambience. The front space of the building is used as a gathering area and in the holiday season you can join the festive mood here. The city adapted and promoted the idea of "privately owned public spaces" from Seagram and advised other builders to come up with such spaces.

Seagram's facade reflects a calm sense of strength. Inside you will find 800,000 square feet of office space, Picasso art and fine dining options. Onsite, you can find the famous Four Seasons Restaurant (212-754-9494), also designed by Mies and Johnson. You can also enter the restaurant from the 52nd street. You can still enjoy a meal in 1959 ambience at the same place where JFK's 46th birthday party was celebrated. You will have to don a jacket and the ladies have to be formally dressed too. While you are at the Seagram Building, go down to the Brasserie Restaurant in the basement. From this 24x7 spot, you can exit onto 53rd street.

Neighboring architectural landmarks include St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Villard Houses at the New York Plaza Hotel and the Trump Tower.

Location: On Park Avenue between 52nd & 53rd Street

Trains: 6 to 51st Street; E or F to Lexington Avenue.

Address:
375 Park Ave,
New York, NY 10022