Posted on July 1st, 2011

Empire State Plaza and the Egg

The Governor Nelson A Rockefeller Empire State Plaza with the Egg, home of the Center for the Performing Arts, in Downtown Albany, New York is the most distinctive architectural landmark in the Capital Region. The plaza contains many state government offices and is located directly across from the State Capitol and the State Library. Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is commonly known as the Empire State Plaza. It was designed by the prominent architect Wallace Harrison and built between 1965 and 1978.

The Plaza is a sprawling, 98-acre campus that is home to several state government buildings, including the New York State Capitol, the State Museum, and the State Library. The buildings are all arranged around a large central plaza, which is adorned with fountains, sculptures, and other public art installations.

One of the most distinctive features of the Empire State Plaza is the collection of high-rise buildings that make up the complex. These buildings are clad in reflective glass and rise up to 44 stories, making them some of the tallest buildings in Albany. The tallest of these buildings is the Erastus Corning Tower, which stands at 589 feet tall.

The Plaza is also home to several outdoor spaces that are popular with visitors and locals alike. These spaces include the aforementioned central plaza, as well as several landscaped gardens and parks.

Overall, the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is a landmark complex that is not only home to New York State government, but also serves as a hub of culture, art, and recreation in Albany.