You are on top of the most magnificent building in the greatest city in the world, my audio guide, Tony, tells me. Looking across Manhattan, with the sun setting on another perfect New York City day, it is hard to argue with him.

The building Tony is speaking of – for those who haven’t already guessed – is the Empire State Building, a cultural icon and easily the most recognizable structure in the New York City skyline. More than just a tourist attraction, the skyscraper has long symbolized NYC in all its unbridled ambition, having been born during the Great Depression in 1931.

When Tony was growing up, he says the building felt omnipresent: “It was like the moon. Where you went, it went.” And not much has changed. Walking along 5th Avenue, by night or day, north or southbound, one can’t help but feel its ghost, reminding you of its presence.

But for all its head turning, neck-jarring majesty, to gain a real appreciation of the building, one must visit its summit – or at least its 80th floor outdoor observatory.  

Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t always lines for entry into the building. Upon my visit in late winter there were none. I went straight up. And this was during primetime viewing, that is, during sunset. But this, I am told, was most likely the exception and not the rule (I also experienced 60 degree days in early March) so be prepared to wait.

Once on top of the building, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Shimmering like a Diamond District jewellery store, the entire city feels within an arm’s reach as dreams cross the line into reality.

Tony tells us to look down Manhattan Island as if looking at a sea of “endless possibilities”. And for a moment, amidst the flashing cameras and oohs and aahs, the impossible seems possible as the setting sun is overtaken by the rising glow of a city awoken.

With the World Trade Center now gone, Tony says that the building somehow means more. “I think it has grown taller. I see more confidence, more defiance.” And I believe him.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the building is the speed at which it was constructed. Fourteen months was all it took to put together what has long been considered one of the world’s most famous landmarks. In fact, at one point, construction gave birth to nearly one storey every day - and all of this during a time of great economic hardship.

All images Mark Harada