Flatiron Building in New York

The Flatiron Building in New York, also known as the Flat Iron Building, is one of the most famous landmarks in the Big Apple. This triangular building is in the UK also known as the ‘iron’ building in New York, because of its shape. It can be found on the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 23rd Street in Manhattan.

The Flatiron Building has been under construction since 2019. Unfortunately, at the moment, this is still the case. Last updated: 072025

Can you visit the Flatiron Building?

I often get emails asking if you can visit the Flatiron Building and what the Flatiron Building looks like inside. You may be disappointed with my answer. The building consisted mainly of offices, and has now been turned into a residential building.

For this reason, it is not a sight that you can visit like the Empire State Building. The magic of the building is mainly due to its construction, so a visit to the interior of the Flatiron is not necessary. As a photo model, the building shows all its beauty!

The best photo spots

When visiting the Flatiron Building, you’ll of course want to take the best pictures. My favourite photo spot is on the sidewalk in front of Eataly. From there, you can take the classic picture with the Tiffany Street Clock in front.

Another great spot is when you cross the street to the little square, the Flatiron Public Plaza. Here you’ll often find chairs and parasols that create a picturesque scene.

Where is the Flatiron Building?

Some people say that you can’t miss the Flatiron Building because of its eye-catching shape. However, from a distance, due to its colour and shape, it blurs with the surrounding buildings, so if you can’t find the Flatiron right away, don’t worry. Just use my free Eric’s New York app to get to the famous Building.

If you need the exact Flatiron Building address, this landmark is located at 175 Fifth Avenue (between East 23rd and 22nd Streets) in the Flatiron District. Yes, the neighbourhood is named after the famous skyscraper! The neighbourhood was named in the 1980s to attract homeowners and renters. Previously, due to the many toy factories located there, it was called the “Toy District”.

The Flatiron NY architecture

When you think of New York, you’re sure to imagine the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and of course the Flatiron Building!

The shape of the building

The impressive building is a real eye-catcher and a great photo opportunity. You have probably asked yourself why the building is called the Flatiron Building. “Flat Iron” of course refers to an iron. The term iron building, therefore, refers to the special shape of the structure.

The floor plan of the Flatiron Building resembles a triangle that tapers to a point. This means that the parallel base sides of the building are a lot longer than the two short ends. If you take a closer look at the building, especially from above, you immediately know what is meant. While the Flatiron Building isn’t the only ‘iron building’ in the world, it is arguably the most famous!

How tall is the Flatiron Building?

When you stand in front of the Flatiron Building, it’s of course an impressive experience. The eyes automatically move from the bottom up and some people wonder how high the Flatiron Building actually is.

The height of the Flatiron Building is exactly 285 feet and is, therefore, a dwarf among the skyscrapers in the Big Apple. Especially when compared to the Empire State Building (1,250 feet without a tip) or the One World Trade Center (1368 feet meters without a tip). But of course, the size doesn’t matter and the Flat Iron Building mainly impresses with its beautiful exterior.

What movies were filmed at the Flatiron Building?

The ‘New York Iron House’, as it is sometimes affectionately known, has become a real symbol of New York over the years. So it’s no wonder that the Flatiron Building can be seen regularly in films and TV series.

When it is not accidentally destroyed by the US Army (such as in the 1998 film “Godzilla”), it is often used as a backdrop in scene changes such as in “Friends”. The building also gained fame as the location of the Daily Bugle newspaper in the “Spider-Man” trilogy.

Would you like to find out more about the famous filming locations in New York? Then take the New York TV and Movie Sites Tour to see the most iconic locations with your own eyes.

Flatiron Building history

The Flatiron Building New York was technically not New York’s first skyscraper, as is often believed. This title goes to the Tower Building, which was completed in 1889 and was 11 stories high.

In 1902, thirteen years after the Tower Building was completed, the Flatiron Building was built. The Tower Building was torn down in 1913 and therefore no longer exists. Therefore, New York’s oldest skyscraper still standing is practically the Flatiron Building.

Flatiron Building design and construction

The history of the Flatiron Building begins with architect Daniel Burnham, who was commissioned with the design and construction. Burnham was one of the most famous architects in America during his lifetime. His bold design of the Flatiron NY initially earned him a lot of ridicule from the New York newspapers. The New York Tribune described his work as a “measly piece of cake” and “New York’s greatest lifeless troublemaker”.

Fortunately, the people immediately embraced the Fuller Building (that is the name actually intended) and renamed it the Flatiron Building without further ado. The construction lasted only one year due to the new steel frame construction. This certainly contributed to the building’s growing fame.

National Historic Landmark

The Flatiron has 22 floors, which were designed as office floors from the start. In 1959 the publishing house St. Martin’s Press moved in, which gradually rented additional office floors and from 2004 was even the sole tenant of the building. Even after the latest major renovation, the Flatiron New York serves as a residential building.

In 1989 the New York Flatiron was named a National Historic Landmark, a title that only increased its popularity. The building is currently valued at $190 million. So keep in mind when taking a picture that you have a very expensive iron in front of your lens.

Practical Information

• Location: 175 Fifth Avenue, Flatiron District
• How to get there: Take a yellow cab or one of the ride shares. The closest subway station is 23rd Street with lines R W