Empire State Plaza

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The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is a large complex of buildings sited on 70-acres in the heart of Albany. The complex was built between 1965 and 1976. Wallace Harrison was it's chief designer, although several architectural firms worked on the project.

The various buildings are of a distinctly modern style. The most dramatic being The Egg, a performing arts theater shaped something like (you guessed it) an egg. The buildings serve a variety of civic and governmental functions. Included in the complex is a cultural center and museum, an observation deck in the tallest building (The Corning Tower), and several restaurants and shops.

Because of its expense and the displacement of homes caused by it's construction, the complex was a highly controversial undertaking. The brutally modern style of the buildings doesn't do much to endear the place to most people either. But the space created is impressive and at the same time pleasant to experience. Outside is especially pleasant, the reflecting pool, various pieces of sculpture, quirky landscaping (the trees are shaped into squares), and views of the city are well worth experiencing.

Location
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223

Discussion

warren kring Dec 27, 2008
I think I saw Sandy Duncan as Peter Pan at the Egg in the 70's . I was born in 72 so I wasn't very old and don't have a very vivid memory of it . Is it even true ?