The Chrysler Building was also the tallest structure in the world from 1930 to 1931 . Before it was built , the tallest structure in the world was Eiffel Tower . Upon completion , May 20 , 1930 , the added height of the spire allowed the Chrysler Building to surpass 40 Wall Street as the tallest building in the world and the Eiffel Tower as the tallest structure .