The Empire State Building: beautiful pics and interesting facts

Cool, sleek, and elegant, the Empire State Building is an American cultural icon, a stunning example of art deco splendor set in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Visited by millions since its opening on May 1, 1931, it's also one of the most photographed structures on the planet. But how do you capture a picture that's different from the usual postcard view? 

Here's a gallery of photos that capture the building in an offbeat manner. Click and find your favorite, and catch up on some interesting facts along the way.