Grand Central Terminal opened in 1913, but is still referred to by most as Grand Central Station - the original train station that was demolished to make way for the present building.
The terminal is New York's Beaux Arts masterpiece and is an ingenious design for a major train terminal. The collabrative work of two architectural firms, 'Warren & Wetmore' and 'Reed & Stem,' they seperated pedestrian and train traffic by placing the platforms and tracks beneath the stations main concourse.
The station's huge concourse has a marble floor, dominated by two grand staircases at either end. At its center stands a brass and oxny clock which sits on top of the information booth, used as a popular meeting point by New Yorkers. The concourse is flooded with light from three arch windows on either side, and has large gold-plated chandeliers along both sides. The spacious effect is completed by a blue vaulted ceiling, with pinpoints of lights that mark out the signs of the zodiac.
Below the main concourse is the station's dining concourse which also has many charming features and is worth a visit even if you do not intend to eat there. The dining concourse has some unusual seating arrangements, there are rows of seats in narrow alcoves that create the illusion one is eating in a train carriage, and armchairs arranged in a circle around small plazas. The popular Grand Central Oyster bar is a beautiful place to dine, with low ribbed vaulted ceiling covered in yellow Guastavino tiles.
Opening Hours
Every Day between 5:30am and 1:30am
Prices
Free
Address
87 East 42nd Street.
New York, NY 10017
How to Get There
Subway:
Take the 4, 5, 6 or 7 trains to Grand Central Terminal
External Links
Offical Grand Central Terminal
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