The namesake ad agency was this building's prime tenant from its construction in 1926 until early 2013, when Young & Rubicam moved to Columbus Circle. It's unclear whether Y&R inspired the dozens of whimsical figures carved into the masonry near street level. Many depict traditional occupations; many others, like these, illustrate pastimes. Just possibly the connection with the ad agency is the embrace of minds at play. Shown: bagpipe playing, trail blazing, slingshot shooting, and what seems to be sweets eating.
Young & Rubicam Building (also known as the Murray Hill Building)
William Rouse and Lafayette Goldstone, 1926; carvings attributed to Arthur Seale
285 Madison Ave. (at East 40th St.), Manhattan
