The Colors of the Empire State Building

There are several different reasons why I write in my blog. Sometimes it's because I want to share information about my life or a fun article or quiz I found online, sometimes it's to share my opinion on a current topic like a TV show or album, and sometimes it's simply because I was curious about something and figure you might want to know about it, too. This entry is that final type.

From the living room window of my new apartment (I'll post pictures soon, I promise!) I have an amazing view of the Empire State Building. The 3 tiers at the top of the building always seem to change colors on a semi-irregular basis but I never knew what the colors meant... so I looked it up!

At first I thought the lights might be used to give the weather forecast or something similar because the Gulf Tower in downton Pittsburgh, PA (my hometown) changes it's pinnacle for that reason, but I was wrong! The lights are specifically for decoration and change color to reflect upcoming holidays or celebrations. The colors were recently red, blue and white in honor of the New York Giants latest victory.

I'll save you the entire history lesson, but here are a view interesting bits of info that I found from the official ESB website:

1932: The first light to shine atop the Empire State Building (November, 1932) was a searchlight beacon which told people for 50 miles that Franklin D. Roosevelt has been elected president of the United States.

1956: Revolving beacons, the "Freedom Lights", were installed. The "Freedom Lights", four beacons each five feet in diameter and weighing one ton, were installed 1,095 feet above the streets to symbolize not only a welcome to this country but also the unlimited opportunities in America and the hopes and prayers of the American people for peace.

1976: Colored lighting was first introduced by Douglas Leigh. The tower was lit in red, white and blue in celebration of the American Bicentennial.

1977: A lighting system, permitting a wider range of colors, was inaugurated on October 12, when blue and white lights flashed to announce that the Yankees had won the World Series.

Very interesting, indeed. Now I know what I'm staring at out the window each night. You can click here for the most recent lighting schedule.

I really enjoy architecture, but tend to ignore most of it in the city for fear of looking like a bewildered tourist staring up at "all them tall buildin's." I'm fairly particular to the Rockefeller Center area for obvious reasons, but there are tons of amazing places to gawk at in the city.

What's your favorite spot in New York City or your home town?

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