The interior of Grand Central Station has featured in countless films and is one of the world’s most popular attractions, with over 20 million tourists visiting it annually. It’s not just a transportation hub either, it’s also a shopping, dining, and cultural destination with 60 shops, 35 places to eat, and many events taking place throughout the year.
Its best feature though has to be the architecture, which for a train station is undeniably elegant and filled with history. Although there were previous stations on the site, the current structure was opened in 1913 and covers 48 acres with 44 platforms, more than any other rail station in the world. In the 1950s, developers wanted to demolish the building to construct the world’s tallest skyscraper, but the costs were thankfully prohibitive, and plans were abandoned. In 1978, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis campaigned to secure landmark status for the building.
Perhaps the most iconic feature of the station is the Main Concourse and its turquoise ceiling which is decorated with an elaborate mural of gold constellations, containing more than 2,500 stars. Until 1998, this was hidden behind a thick layer of dirt, 70% nicotine and tar from smoking, when it was cleaned as part of a restoration project. Workers left a small patch uncleaned just next to Cancer, the crab.
There is also a secret track, previously used for freight, that was repurposed to transport the rich and famous to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel…
Image by Robert Bye/Unsplash
Tips
- Be sure to explore, there’s lots more to it than the Main Concourse.
- Whilst you’re there, get a close-up view of the art-deco Chrysler Building which is just around the corner.
- Combine with a leisurely walk and some window shopping up 5th Avenue.
Highlights
- Standing on the steps and looking down on the buzz of the ticket hall below; people rushing to their trains, family and friends greeting each other.
- The tennis courts (yes, tennis courts!) once owned by Donald Trump which are accessible to the public.
- The clock above the information booth in the Main Concourse, each face made out of a single piece of opal - it’s estimated to be worth $10-20 million.