The history of new york citys famous railroad terminal. The eagles weigh about 4,000 pounds 1,800 kg each, and have a wingspan of about feet 4. Directly adjoining central station, grand central hotel glasgow was originally built in the late 19thcentury as a great british railway hotel. Grand central oyster bar new york, new york gastro obscura. The sheer scale and elegance of the main concourse transforms the daily commute into a complex choreography as commuters and tourists negotiate through the hallways, overheard conversations turn into mysterious plots of other peoples dramas, and what can be mundane becomes a unique experience. Because of penn station s loss gct was saved in the late 1960s and today is completely restored. Even before grand central terminal officially opened on february 2, 19 new yorkers were teased with descriptions of the starry mural that had been painted on its vaulted ceiling, with the new york times telling of its effect of illimitable space and how fortunately there are no chairs in the concourse orsome passengers might miss. Monroe hewlett and painter charles basing of the hewlettbasing studio in brooklyn, as well as astronomer dr. Discover grand central oyster bar in new york, new york. A mystery in grand central terminal nyc solved cool wisdom. Through its status as a transportation and architectural icon, the terminal has also been depicted in many works of art. Grand central preserves a little of the history and grandeur of old new york in the middle of modern manhattan.
Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. It wasnt until smoking was prohibited that it made sense to restore the ceiling. It was built during the golden age of rail travel and exemplified the power and scope railroads wielded at that time. How a train station transformed america kindle edition by roberts, sam, hamill, pete. A dark patch of the ceiling at grand central terminal which was not restored is still stained brown by tobacco. The hidden history of grand central station strand magazine. Built in 19, the beaux arts depot is the worlds largest in.
In the winter of 19, grand central station was officially opened and immediately became one of the most beautiful and recognizable manhattan landmarks. Like many people who read crime fiction, i enjoy smart thrillersnot just car chases and shootouts books from which ive come away with a good measure of suspense and entertainment, but also enriched by something ive learned in. In 1998, after two years of renovations, the scaffolding came down. How bts filmed a top secret video in grand central terminal a performance by the wildly popular kpop group for the tonight show inside the iconic transit hub took an army to pull off. A group of bestselling authors decided to create their own stories set at grand central on the same day, just after the end of world war ii. This new book celebrates grand centrals centennial by tracing the terminals history. Grand central terminal is one of new york citys most amazing historical attractions. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading grand central. A hundred years of the oyster bar, grand central terminal. They are two of the 11 or 12 eagle statues that ornamented the terminals predecessor, grand central station.
Things to do you can now download over 300,000 books from the nypl for free. Grand central features permanent works of art, including the celestial ceiling. Grand central station is on 42nd street at park avenue in midtown manhattan. Grand central terminal is one of new yorks most visited landmarks and architectural gems, and beyond the rushhour bustle, the station offers up its fair share of surprises. Last year grand central station turned 100 years old. This compelling narrative invites the reader into an immersive world of grand.
Watch grand central american experience official site. Book your spot at our secret behind the scenes grand central terminal tour. Even though it can be quite touristy, we always find a way to tweak it into a behind the scenes experience for you. The story behind grand central terminals beautiful ceiling. Grand central station, officially named grand central terminal is one of the most iconic buildings in america. A dark patch of the ceiling at grand central terminal which was not restored is. Find the perfect grand central station ceiling stock photo. Nov 08, 2010 the constellation ceiling is one of my favorite features of grand central terminal, years ago it had lost not just its lights but most of its vibrancy.
Parting words from maira kalmans childrens book next stop grand central. Enter on the 42nd street side and walk straight into the main concourse. The first is a tiny rectangular patch, located near the outstretched claw of cancer, that has never been purposefully cleaned. Architectural details, grand central station, new york, new. Grand central terminal has two castiron eagle statues on display. As brian solomon notes in his book, railway depots. The second piece of grand central history contained in the station s ceiling is a small dark hole located near the depiction of pisces.
So, is the mural on grand central terminals ceiling from hevellius uranographia of 1690. The hidden history of grand central terminals celestial ceiling. Grand central terminal, located on 42nd street in midtown manhattan, is perhaps as wellknown for its rich history and beautiful architecture as it is for being a major working transportation hub. All aboard for this classic secret city adventure, inside one of new yorks most distinguished locations. How a train station transformed america, sam roberts of the times goes behind the scenes at grand central terminal ahead of the centennial. On this day in 19, new york city s grand central terminal opens for the first time. The 20th century limited was an express passenger train that ran between grand central terminal and lasalle street station in chicago, operated by the new york central railroad from 1902 until 1967. Whisper secrets in a busy station only to be heard on the other side of this acoustic arch. Yes, the constellations on grand central terminal s ceiling are painted in globe view or as seen from space and all are in their correct positions including orion according to hevelius uranographia.
Explore grand central terminal like you never have before and discover where the past meets the present. She is depicted among a globe, a measuring compass, volumes of books and. The grand central terminal is not only a station, the times now declared, it is a monument, a civic center, or, if one will, a city. Grand centrals ceiling also contains two features that tell us a lot about the history of the station. At the time of vanderbilts control the harlem and hrrr served different terminals on the island, the latter had a facility at 30th street while the former maintained a few depots over the years. How bts filmed a top secret video in grand central terminal. As well, vanderbilt hall is regularly used for temporary art exhibitions and events. Grand central terminal was named by and for the new york central railroad, which built the station and its two precursors on the site. Grand central terminal is at 42nd street and park avenue, served by commuter trains and several subway lines.
I loved the grand central station setting and learning about its history, especially the grand central school of art in. It was almost entirely torn down and rebuilt in the years between 1903 and 19, reborn as the beaux arts gem now called grand central terminal. Guia en espanol how to get here what to see tours history shopping and dining secrets of grand central grand central station or terminal. It also contains a connection to the new york city subway at grand central 42nd street station.
Grand central terminal grand central terminal began as grand central depot in 1871, an innovative new train station servicing new yorks biggest rail lines. Sam roberts book integrates a historical perspective with contemporary storytelling. Its a testament to the ceilings beauty that with so much activity occurring at eye level at grand central terminal, visitors still find themselves. The transportation hub as we know it today began construction in 1903, but before that 89 e 42nd was home to an older steam train station built in 1879. This post is a guide to grand central terminal, what you can see, tours, dining, shopping, and secret locations. Brighter, greener stargazing light at grand central the new. Even before grand central terminal officially opened on february 2, 19 new yorkers were teased with descriptions of the starry mural that. Architectural details, grand central station, new york, new york.
The history of nycs grand central station tripsavvy. The tall marble ceilings added just a wonderful echo to everything. One of the citys most prestigious buildings, the hotel has welcomed many famous guests including frank sinatra and winston churchill, throughout the years. The story of grand centrals other ceiling mural bookworm. The terminal is alive with the hundreds of thousands of people passing through it each day. Grand central terminal is a commuter rail terminal located at 42nd street and park avenue in. Orion as he appears in the uranometria versus the grand central mural. When it comes to the worlds most majestic train stations, new yorks grand central terminal almost always makes the list. One thought on the hidden history of grand central terminals celestial ceiling. On the morning of january 8, 1902, the air around grand central station was choked with smoke, cinders, and noxious fumes. What is that spot on the ceiling of grand central terminal.
On the ceiling of the main hall of grand central terminal, there is a dark spot. They share their enthusiasm and the hidden secrets of the station with curious visitors wishing to do more than just pass through. In this view from across 42nd street, the landmark transportation and shopping hub glistens at night on july 26, 20. After loving fiona davis previous novel, the address, i was thrilled to get my hands on the masterpiece. I am intrigued by your soliloquie on this great station we call grand. A clue on the ceiling of grand central terminal shows how dirty it was 30 years ago. Grand centrals flyonthewall or technically, the ceiling bookworm history. Ghiuniversal images groupgetty images the building of grand central was the largest construction project in new yorks history up to that time. May 25, 2016 5 thoughts on the hidden history of grand central terminals celestial ceiling pingback. Here is a nugget of information for every year of its existence. Grand central features permanent works of art, including the celestial ceiling in the main concourse, the glory of commerce work and the statue of cornelius vanderbilt in front of the buildings south facade, and the two castiron eagle statues adorning the terminals facades. By 1929, the year jackie was born, 47 million passengers were passing through the terminal s indiana. The south entrance to grand central terminal is adorned by julesalexis coutans 1914 symbolic statuary, which surrounds the terminal s iconic clock. You can read more about the fascinating history of this rail here.
A general view of the interior of the grand concourse of new yorks grand central terminal, shown some time after the morning rush hour, on. Now restored to its 19 splendor, grand central has become a beloved manhattan landmark and a busy commuter hub. Grand centrals famous ceiling has some secrets gothamist. Grand central terminal whispering gallery new york, new. The birth of grand central terminal the new york times. Dominating midtown manhattan, it was built by the new york central rail road, in the. The terminal standing today has gone through some changes since a train station debuted here in the 19th century. In 1994, metronorth took over operation of grand central terminal and began extensive renovations. Yes, the constellations on grand central terminal s ceiling are painted in globe view or as seen from space and all are in their correct positions including orion according to hevelius.
Ive collected a bunch of artifacts from the grand central terminal restaurant, and the oyster bars 100 year history, all of which provide an interesting look into the terminal s longest operating and most established tenant. Hundreds of trains converged at the station a deluge of steel. A rich, illustrated and entertaining history of the iconic grand central terminal, from one of new york citys favorite writers, just in time to celebrate the train station s 100th fabulous anniversary. Grand central terminal commonly referred to as grand central station or simply as grand central is a commuter, rapid transit and intercity railroad terminal it is located at 42nd street and and park avenue in midtown manhattan in new york city, united states. This new book celebrates grand centrals centennial history and design, and showcasing 200 photographs of its wonders. Grand central terminal, one of the main railroad stations in new york city, features public art by a variety of artists. The south entrance to grand central terminal is adorned by julesalexis coutans 1914 symbolic statuary, which surrounds the terminals iconic clock.
Watch grand central american experience official site pbs. For more secrets of grand central terminal, join us for an upcoming tour. Oct 03, 2017 new york centrals breathtaking grand central terminal or gct is a new york city landmark and worldfamous station. Grand central station scavenger hunt new york city nyc. Grand central ceiling dark patch new york, new york atlas.
There have been five departure boards used over the terminals history. See what grand central terminal looked like before its. Its also accessible by foot, taxi, or as part of a walking tour. Nov 14, 2016 grand central depot was this enormous building that took up almost 21 acres of land and it was very different from other buildings due to its appearance and size. Its a testament to the ceilings beauty that with so much activity occurring at eyelevel at grand central terminal, visitors still find themselves. We recommend booking grand central terminal tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The docent guides are people from all walks of life with one thing in common. The station itself was constructed in manhattan in the early 1900s, and the celestial scene thats on the ceiling today was painted there in the 1940s. This book was told in two povs clara and virginia, 50 years apart. The grand, beaux arts building once known as grand central station is actually a terminal, because it is the end of the line for trains. Secret behind the scenes grand central terminal tour. The masterpiece by fiona davis goodreads share book. Dont forget that grand centrals many activities are all under one magnificent roof, making it an easy visit rain or shine. The story of grand centrals other ceiling mural on april 23, 2017 march 4, 2018 by bookworm history in bh blog, bookworm history while most people are familiar with the massive celestial mural in manhattans grand central terminal ive done two separate articles about it myself, most dont realize the storied railroad hub is home to.
The grand central terminal ceiling took dozens of people. The mural above the concourse at grand central terminal is one of the most gawkedat ceilings in. A clue on the ceiling of grand central terminal shows how. With this private walking tour, discover grand central s hidden corners and see parts of the station even locals dont know about. Grand central ceiling dark patch new york, new york. In addition to the other grand central terminal tours listed above, there are also several outings which include a visit to the station.
Grand central terminal, with its celestial ceiling and unshakable aura of beauxarts magnificence, is arguably the grandest space in new york. Without exception, it is not only the greatest station in. The hidden history of grand central terminals celestial. How grand central oyster bar became a design icon eater ny. Grand central terminal s famous ceiling isnt what it seems. The meaning behind grand centrals chandeliers ephemeral. Grand central terminal s official, selfguided audio tour focuses not only on the architectural highlights of the terminal, but provides a real story about little known secrets, anecdotes, archival material and the history of the terminal. Grand central terminal is celebrating two landmark events in its history this year. Yes, the constellations on grand central terminals ceiling are painted in globe view or as seen from space and all are in their correct positions including orion according to hevelius uranographia.
Thus, while many remain in awe of grand central terminal s ceiling, those familiar with its history cant help but notice the many flaws of the midcentury incarnation. The famous ceiling is being transformed, unveiling 12 portraits of. You can follow any responses to this entry through the rss 2. Grand central terminal is a commuter rail terminal located at 42nd street and park avenue in midtown manhattan, new york city. Although your trip to grand central wont be the main focus during these outings, you will have the opportunity to spend some time in the area and learn a bit about its history. A history of grand central terminal new yorkers in the early 1900s saw their city as the new cultural and commercial capital, deserving a majestic landmark. The february 22, 1941 edition of the new yorker featured the gct restaurant on the cover.
In this celebration of the one hundred year old terminal, sam roberts of the new york times looks back at grand centrals conception, amazing history, and the farreaching cultural effects of the station that continues to. Look up in the far corner over the west balcony and you can see the dark spot that was left unscrubbed. Shuttle, which runs between grand central and time square, plus numerous buses serve it. Many people just came to the grand central depot to visit and observe how the grand central looked and functioned because it was something they hadnt seen before. Grand central terminal commonly referred to as grand central station or simply as grand central is a commuter, rapid transit and intercity railroad terminal it is located at 42nd street and and park avenue in midtown manhattan in new york city, united states grand central terminal has intricate designs both on its inside and outside, lending to its landmark designations, including as a u. Grand central terminal a historic national landmark in nyc.
Apr 23, 2017 the story of grand centrals other ceiling mural on april 23, 2017 march 4, 2018 by bookworm history in bh blog, bookworm history while most people are familiar with the massive celestial mural in manhattans grand central terminal ive done two separate articles about it myself, most dont realize the storied railroad hub is home to. Grand central terminal was new york central s grand entrance into manhattan opened in 19. Grand central is not only the worlds largest 48 acres and 44 platforms and the nations busiest railway station, but also one of the worlds most magnificent public spaces. Interesting facts about grand central terminal just fun.
See all 105 grand central terminal tours on tripadvisor. Business tycoon cornelius vanderbilt bought up property for grand central depot in 1869 and planned for the structure to merge the hudson, harlem and new haven lines. Grand central terminal opened its doors at midnight on february 2, 19. I loved the grand central station setting and learning about its history, especially the grand central school of art in the late 1920s and early 30s. Even before grand central terminal officially opened on february 2, 19 new yorkers were teased with descriptions of the mural that had been painted on its vaulted ceiling, with the new york. I was told the restorers left it so that everyone could see how dirty. Discover grand central ceiling dark patch in new york, new york. Grand central terminal a visitors guide free tours by foot. So, is the mural on grand central terminal s ceiling from hevellius uranographia of 1690. Discover grand central terminal whispering gallery in new york, new york.
Grand central terminal now houses several restaurants and cocktail lounges, a dining concourse, and some 50 shops. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Grand central terminal opens in new york city history. The grand central ceiling took dozens of people to create but was primarily the work of five men. First opened as grand central depot in 1871, the terminal started small. The history of grand central depot and grand central station. Grand central chandeliers, grand central interiors, grand central light bulbs, grand central station, grand central terminal, secrets of grand central. It has always been more colloquially and affectionately known as grand central station, the name of its immediate precursor that operated from 1900 until 1910. Less than two months after the terminal opened one astute commuter noticed the design of the ceiling is actually backwards.
Grand central terminals main concourse during restoration. Grand central is the southern terminus of the metronorth railroads harlem, hudson and new haven lines, serving the northern parts of the new york metropolitan area. The vibrant city beautiful movement, meanwhile, promoted architectural excellence. The story of grand centrals other ceiling mural bookworm history. I was told the restorers left it so that everyone could see how dirty the ceiling had been. Interesting facts about grand central terminal just fun facts.
New yorkers in the early 1900s saw their city as the new cultural and commercial capital, deserving a majestic landmark. This drew a renewed interest in its history and the millions of stories of people who had passed through its doors. The fiftynine ceiling stars at grand central terminal are now powered by energyefficient led lamps and are on for your enjoyment. Grand central terminal new york city 2020 all you need to. Due to asbestosrelated concerns, its unlikely that the socalled restoration panels will ever be removed to reveal the original mural underneath.
179 1112 415 744 1645 220 1085 271 1152 80 1622 243 289 1072 1023 830 598 944 1527 1316 422 1612 443 1011 1474 695 834 1293 1358 28 788 263 565 746 1212