The office floors have double-loaded corridors and office spaces that were standard at the period of their construction; several revisions have-been made to parts of the interior since the building was completed in 1930. At the top of the tower is a tall space, furnished for dining and receptions. The exterior surface is made primarily of pale brick over a steel frame; stainless steel marks the entrances, decorative details, and the tower. Tower lighting, originally planned, was activated in 1981.

Minor alterations and restoration especially of the lobby, entrances, and ornamental features, followed several changes of ownership. In 1978 the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Chrysler Building as a municipal landmark. This prevents the owners from changing the designated features unless severe economic hardship can be demonstrated. Aware of the building’s prestige, owners have generally been willing to repair essential functional and ornamental features. The building is now admired as a delightful relic of an optimistic era in skyscraper building and an urban icon, although, having always functioned as an obvious selfadvertisement, it has not been regarded as a seminal work of modern architecture.