Daily News Building
220 E 42nd St., Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10017
One of NYC’s architectural icons, the 37-story Daily News Building served as headquarters for the New York Daily News until 1995 and doubled as the Daily Planet in the 1978 Superman movie. Its most famous feature is its giant vintage globe—widely thought to be the world’s largest—which rotates beneath a black glass dome in the lobby. A standout on the Manhattan skyline, the building is considered one of the city’s finest examples of art deco architecture.
The Basics
The Daily News Building is no longer a newspaper office and is now occupied by multiple tenants including a television station; however, you can still explore the lobby and view the giant globe. The lobby features a floor compass with directional lines revealing the distances to cities across the globe, as well as meteorological dials, clocks, and images showing Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder in their roles as Clark Kent and Lois Lane.
Many architecture tours of NYC visit the lobby of the Daily News Building, as well as other nearby landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building. Superhero-themed tours of New York typically combine a visit to the Daily News Building with other NYC locations associated with comic book movies.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Daily News Building is a must-visit attractions for architecture buffs and Superman fans.
Access to areas beyond the lobby is restricted.
Entry to the Daily News Building is free.
How to Get There
The Daily News Building is situated on East 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues. To get there by public transport, ride the subway (4, 5, 6, 7, or S trains) to Grand Central; the Daily News Building is a 5-minute walk from there.
When to Get There
The Daily News Building can be visited year-round and enjoyed in any season. Come during office hours (weekdays from around 9am to 5pm) when the lobby is usually open to the public.
The Chrysler Building
Less than two blocks from the Daily News Building, you’ll find another architectural landmark: the Chrysler Building. When it was built in 1930, this art deco skyscraper was the world’s tallest building, though it didn’t hold the title for long; the even taller Empire State Building was inaugurated in 1931. Like the Daily News Building, the Chrysler Building’s lavish lobby—which features an elaborate ceiling mural by artist Edward Trumbull—is open to the public.
Ways to explore
The Daily News Building is a working office building with security; however, you can still explore the lobby and view the giant globe. The lobby also displays vintage weather instruments and images of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder in their roles as Clark Kent and Lois Lane in Superman.
Many architecture tours of NYC visit the lobby of the Daily News Building, as well as other nearby landmarks, such as Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building. Superhero-themed tours of New York typically combine a visit to the Daily News Building with other NYC locations associated with comic book movies.
Accessibility
The building’s lobby—the only area open to the public—is wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Small bag or purse, camera
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes
Not allowed
Be respectful of current employees and avoid hanging out in the lobby for more than a few minutes.
Amenities
The Daily News Building offers no visitor amenities, but public restrooms can be found nearby at Robert Moses Playground.
Address
The Daily News Building is situated on East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. It’s easiest to get there by public transit, but it can also be accessed by taxi or on foot.
Driving
Save yourself some stress and avoid driving in Midtown; there is often heavy congestion and limited street parking. If you do drive, use an app to reserve a parking spot in advance.
Public transportation
The subway is your best bet for getting to the Daily News Building. Ride to Grand Central–42nd Street via the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S trains, and walk about one block to the intersection with 2nd Avenue; the building will be on your right.
Best times to visit
The building lobby is open during regular business hours, but you’re less likely to encounter crowds before 11am.
Best days to visit
Visiting midweek (Tuesday through Thursday) will also help you avoid crowds. Keep in mind that the building may be closed on weekends.
Best months to visit
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) are generally the best seasons to visit New York, when pleasant weather means you can make the most of your visit to Midtown.
Special events
While the Daily News Building itself doesn’t host festivals or special events, consider going during the NYCxDesign festival to experience a packed schedule of events celebrating New York’s notable architecture and artists.
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