The most spectacular approach to the Empire State Building is the Fifth Avenue side. On the wall opposite the doorway is a great brass and aluminum [V 004 / plaque] depicting the Empire State under a blazing sun. The marble in the [P 003&P005&P006 / lofty lobby] comes from Italy, France, Belgium and Germany.
The 34th Street entrances open onto a long hall, three stories high and lined with Rellante and Rose Fanmosa marbles. The high silver-leaf ceiling is painted in metallic colors with geometric patterns suggesting stars, sunbursts and snowflakes.
In 1963 illuminated panels were added to the lobby depicting the [L3 307 / Seven Ancient Wonders of the World] - plus a modern Eighth Wonder, the Empire State Building.