The cover of Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin and the New York building where you can see it

The cover was shot at 96 and 98 St. Mark’s Place, right in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village. They’re two brownstone residential buildings from the late 19th century, a classic style in this part of the city.

The designer, Peter Corriston, immortalized the façade—but here’s the catch: he pulled a little trick you need to know if you’re standing in front of the building. He digitally removed one floor so the image would fit the square format of the double LP.

The original cover wasn’t just a photo: the album came out with a die-cut window design. When you opened the vinyl, you found interchangeable inserts with images ranging from the members of Led Zeppelin themselves to historical and cultural figures. It was a groundbreaking design at the time, turning the record into an interactive experience that went way beyond the music.

The Physical Graffiti cover was even nominated for a Grammy for Best Album Package and, over the years, it has become one of the most recognizable in rock history.

Today, the St. Mark’s Place building isn’t just another block of flats—it’s a cultural landmark where music, art, and the city come together. And as Metalhead Travelers, Viajeros Metaleros, we’ve got no choice but to pay it a visit 🙂

The East Village has always been a neighborhood buzzing with alternative energy. St. Mark’s Place has witnessed everything from the glam of the ’70s to the punk of the ’80s, with venues, shops, and bars tied to New York’s counterculture.

And right in the middle of it all, the Physical Graffiti building still stands—today a true symbol of rock. If you haven’t been yet, don’t miss the chance. See? There’s always a reason to come back to New York… or to discover it for the very first time if you’ve never been.