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The Corning Tower – Upstate New York’s Tallest Building

November 30, 2024

Experience the thrilling heights and exceptional views of New York’s Capital City by taking a trip to the Corning Tower! Standing tall at 44 floors and 589 feet above the Empire State Plaza is the Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd Tower, or more popularly known as the Corning Tower

Did You Know: The Corning Tower hosts two annual stair climbs to honor those lost in the catastrophic events that took place on 9/11. The Capital Memorial Stair Climb hosts 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement officers, and 8 EMT’s – the same number of people who lost their lives that day – to climb up all the floors of the tower. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation climb was created to honor Stephen G. Siller and other fallen heroes. All participants this event raise money and climb to the 42nd floor of the tower to pay tribute to those who climbed the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

The Corning Tower is home to several New York State agencies like the New York Department of Health and the New York State Office of General Services. On the 42nd floor visitors will find the tower’s incredible Observation Deck which is open to the public on weekdays from 10am until 4pm! From the concourse level of the Empire State Plaza, below the Corning Tower, guests will find the dedicated elevator to the observation deck and after taking a ride 500+ feet into the sky, you’ll find sweeping views of:

  • Downtown Albany
  • The Empire State Plaza
  • The Hudson Valley
  • The Port of Albany
  • The Adirondacks
  • The Catskills
  • The Berkshire Mountains

The Corning Tower was completed in 1973 by architects Wallace K. Harrison and Max Abramowitz and since its completion has stood as the tallest building in the state of New York outside of New York City and the tallest building between New York City and Montreal. Harrison also helped design iconic sites like The United Stations Headquarters, Lincoln Center, LaGuardia Airport, and the Rockefeller Center.

In 1983, the building was dedicated to then-Mayor of Albany, Erastus Corning the 2nd while he was hospitalized due to complications from emphysema and other health issues. Corning was mayor for over 40 years from 1941 to 1983 aside from a leave of absence in 1944 when he served in the US Army during World War II. Corning held the longest mayoral term in any American city up until his death in 1983.

Did You Know: The Corning Tower Observation Deck can be rented out for small functions like private parties and wedding receptions!

The Corning Tower is a must-see for anyone visiting Albany, New York. The observation deck is open to the public Mondays – Fridays from 10am until 4pm and visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Metered parking is available on the nearby streets running along the Empire State Plaza from 8am to 5pm Monday – Friday, and on-street parking is free weekdays after 5pm and all day on weekends.