Grand Central Terminal
The world's largest train station, Grand Central Terminal has been restored to it's former splendour making it a tourist attraction in it's own rite
Locally referred to as "Grand Central Station," the Grand Central Terminal in midtown Manhattan is one of New York's busiest transportation hubs as well as a destination in itself. The Beaux-arts building built and operated by the New York Central Railroad is the largest train station in the world by a considerable margin. Two levels of tracks offer passenger service for the Metro North Railroad with services to Westchester, Dutchess and Putnam in New York State and Fairfield and New Haven in Connecticut.
Grand Central Terminal underwent a 12 year restoration to restore it to its former splendour when it opened in 1913. The astrological ceiling mural in the Main Concourse was revealed after years of be obscured by residue. A small patch above the Michael Jordan Steakhouse was left untouched to demonstrate the extent of the environmental damage. Eagle eyed visitors will notice that the zodiac constellations appear in reverse; one explanation is that the artist based their rendering on a medieval interpretation of how the night sky would appear to God, while many others chalk it up to human error. The famous four-sided brass clock with its opal clock faces and many decadent gold chandeliers was also returned to its original lustre.
One of Grand Central Terminals many oddities, the unofficial "whispering gallery" is located on the dining concourse near the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. The low dome ceilings create an acoustic anomaly; when two people stand opposite and whisper into the corner, you can hear them as if they are standing next to you making it a popular spot for uniquely New York marriage proposals.
Audio tours and walking tour brochures covering historically and architecturally significant features such as the Kissing Room, Grand Staircases, stain glass and wrought-iron installations and the Transportation sculpture are available from the Information Booth.
Cost: Free, Fees may apply for ferry and activities. Please see websites for details.
Hours : Daily 5:00am - 1:30am; Shops and restaurants close at approximately 9:00pm
Website: Grand Central Terminal
Address: 89 East 42nd Street at Park Avenue
Nearby attractions: Chrysler Building, New York Public Library
Taxi Cabs Lined up outside the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City cc licensed flickr photo shared by Trodel
Main Hall in Grand Central Terminal New York cc licensed flickr photo shared by Ed Yourdon
