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Trip Planner:   USA  /  New York State  /  Albany  /  Erastus Corning II Tower

Erastus Corning II Tower, Albany

4.3
#14 of 59 in Things to do in Albany
Observation Deck · Hidden Gem · Architectural Building
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The Erastus Corning Tower, also known as the Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd Tower or simply the Corning Tower, is a skyscraper located in downtown Albany, New York. Completed in 1973 and sided with Vermont Pearl marble and glass, the state office building is part of the Empire State Plaza. At 589 feet (180 m) and 44 stories in height, it is the tallest skyscraper in the state of New York outside of New York City. Erastus Corning 2nd, the building's namesake, was the mayor of Albany for over 40 years from 1941 to 1983. The tower was dedicated to him in March 1983 during his hospitalization. Before that dedication, it was known as the "Tower Building".

The Corning Tower houses the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Office of General Services. Two New York State Department of Transportation traffic cameras are located on the building to monitor nearby traffic conditions. From 2000 to 2004, it was the tallest structure in the World Almanac's list of "Other Tall Buildings in North American Cities".
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Erastus Corning II Tower reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
132 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • We took the elevator to the observation deck, and were the only people there. It provides an awesome view of the city and surrounding area. 
    We took the elevator to the observation deck, and were the only people there. It provides an awesome view of the city and surrounding area.  more »
  • Free, just go up in the express elevator to the 43rd floor for some great views of the city as well as the Hudson River? Worth a visit 
    Free, just go up in the express elevator to the 43rd floor for some great views of the city as well as the Hudson River? Worth a visit  more »
Google
  • The observation deck is located on the 42nd floor. There is an elevator designated to take you up and back down. The elevator runs throughout the day. The views are spectacular and be sure to take pictures!
  • I visited the tower since the state museum was closed Monday. The observation deck gives a beautiful view over Albany. I wasn't sure if it was open due to covid. It was indeed open as of late November. There is an elevator constantly going up and down and the staff were really friendly. I was the only visitor on a Monday morning so give this place a try!

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