King Kong at the Empire State Building

Ever wonder why King Kong is forever linked with the Empire State Building? You’re not alone. 

This towering moment in movie history didn’t just create a monster—it gave us one of the most iconic scenes ever filmed. 

From the rooftops of 1930s New York to a jaw-dropping exhibit you can visit today, Kong’s climb is more than just movie magic. 

In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the original 1933 classic, explore why the Empire State Building was chosen, and show you how this giant gorilla became a global legend. 

Plus, if you’re visiting NYC, we’ll share how you can step right into Kong’s world—literally.

The Origin: 1933’s Cinematic Milestone

Back in 1933, the world was caught in the grip of the Great Depression. 

People were looking for a way to escape the hard times, and Hollywood answered with a giant gorilla.

King Kong, directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, wasn’t just another monster movie. It was groundbreaking. 

With amazing stop-motion effects by Willis O’Brien and dramatic storytelling, it gave audiences something they had never seen before: a 50-foot beast battling airplanes atop the tallest building in the world.

The film was an instant sensation. Critics were amazed. The theaters were packed. 

And for a generation of moviegoers, seeing Kong climb the Empire State Building was pure magic, equal parts terrifying and thrilling.

The idea for the final scene actually came to Merian Cooper years earlier when he imagined a giant gorilla atop the tallest skyscraper swatting at attacking planes. When the Empire State Building was completed in 1931, it became the perfect stage for this cinematic climax

Why the Empire State Building?

So why did Kong scale the Empire State Building and not, say, the Chrysler Building or the Statue of Liberty?

Because in 1933, it was the tallest structure on Earth. 

Towering at 1,250 feet (381 meters), it symbolized human ambition, perfect irony for a beast brought from nature, trying to escape civilization’s grip. 

The contrast made for poetic storytelling, and over time, this cinematic moment etched the Empire State Building into the cultural psyche.

Also, fun fact: Merian C. Cooper always wanted a dramatic “Beauty and the Beast” finale. 

He even envisioned it before the Empire State Building was completed!

The Impact on Pop Culture

King Kong didn’t just climb a building. 

He climbed into our hearts, our parodies, our video games, our Halloween costumes, you name it.

Over the decades, Kong has appeared in numerous remakes, including 1976’s version set in the Twin Towers, Peter Jackson’s lush 2005 remake, and the monster-verse modern hits like Kong: Skull Island. 

Yet, none matched the emotional grip of the 1933 finale atop the Empire State Building.

Here’s how the Empire State Building became more than steel and elevators:

• It appeared in The Simpsons, Friends, Saturday Night Live, and LEGO King Kong.
• It’s part of NYC’s Halloween and comic con culture.
• It’s the must-do selfie spot for monster fans, just try not to swat airplanes while you pose.

Current King Kong Exhibit at the Empire State Building

Flash forward to today, and King Kong lives on, this time in roaring, 3D fashion at the Empire State Building’s 2nd-floor immersive museum.

As you walk into the gallery, prepare to be shaken, literally! 

The floor subtly rumbles beneath your feet. 

Suddenly, Kong’s massive fingers burst through the wall, and his huge, snarling face peeks in from the other side. 

His eyes lock onto you, his chest rises and falls, and his low growl fills the room. The whole thing feels so real, you’d swear he was coming after you this time.

Visitors can even pose inside Kong’s enormous hand, making it look like he’s just snatched them mid-air. 

And behind you? Digital windows showing 1930s-style planes swooping past the skyline.

The surrounding exhibits tell the story of King Kong’s movie magic and cultural legacy, complete with clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and historical photos.

This entire experience is part of the building’s revamped museum space, so when you visit the Empire State Building, do not miss this opportunity too.

Recreating the Kong Moment: Tourist Tips & Photo Ideas

Let’s face it! If you didn’t take a photo, were you even here? Whether you’re going full gorilla pose or just leaning against the glass with the city behind you, the Empire State Building is Instagram heaven. But if you want to nail that “Kong moment”, here’s how to do it:

• Pose inside the giant Kong hand on the 2nd floor for a dramatic mid-capture shot.
• Head up to the 86th-floor observatory, stretch your arms wide, and pretend you’re swatting at imaginary biplanes.
• Bring a tiny toy airplane to hold in the background for extra creativity (seriously, it works!).
• Try catching a sunset or twilight shot to make your Kong pose glow in golden light.

Skip the lines and go straight to the top! Reserve your fast-access Empire State Building tickets.

Trivia and Fun Facts

Let’s end with some lesser-known, but oh-so-fun nuggets:

• Fay Wray, the original damsel in distress, lived to see the Empire State Building honor her with a lighting ceremony in her name. She said, “Every time I’m in New York, the Empire State Building greets me like an old friend.”
• The 1933 movie used a 1:24 scale model of the Empire State Building during filming. That means Kong was roughly 18 inches tall in his “final climb.”
• During Valentine’s Day and special events, the Empire State Building still projects themed light shows, including a King Kong red in the past!
• Real pilots were reportedly inspired by the movie scene, with one even flying between the towers in 1945 (without the gorilla chase, of course).
• There’s a King Kong gift shop on-site with plushies, keychains, and vintage posters, perfect for fans of both nostalgia and oversized apes.