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Grand Central Terminal Review

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Grand Central Terminal

Address: E. 42nd St. at Park Ave., Midtown East, New York, NY | Map It
Phone: 212/935-3960
www.grandcentralterminal.com

Category: Architectural Sites
Location: Midtown

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.9/5

Fodor's Review:

Grand Central is not only the world's largest (76 acres) and the nation's busiest (500,000 commuters and subway riders use it daily) railway station, but also one of the world's greatest public spaces ("justly famous," as critic Tony Hiss noted, "as a crossroads, a noble building. and an ingenious piece of engineering"). A massive four-year renovation completed in October 1998 restored the 1913 landmark to its original splendor—and then some.

You can best admire Grand Central's exquisite Beaux-Arts architecture from its ornate south face on East 42nd Street, modeled after a Roman triumphal arch. Crowning the facade's Corinthian columns and 75-foot-high arched windows, a graceful clock keeps time for hurried commuters. In the central window stands an 1869 bronze statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who built the station to house his railroad empire. Step inside past the glimmering chandeliers of the waiting room to the majestic main concourse, 200 feet long, 120 feet wide, and 120 feet (roughly 12 stories) high, modeled after a Roman bath. Overhead, a celestial map of the twinkling fiber-optic constellations covers the robin's egg-blue ceiling. During rush hour you'll be swept into the tides and eddies of human traffic, which swirl around the central information kiosk, a popular meeting place. Experience the thrill, then escape up the sweeping staircases at either end, where balconies house three upscale restaurants. Any would make an enjoyable perch from which to survey the concourse, but for a real taste of the station's early years, head beyond the western staircase to the Campbell Apartment, a clubby cocktail lounge housed in the restored private offices and salon of 1920s tycoon John W. Campbell.

Despite its grandeur, Grand Central still functions primarily as a railroad station. Underground, more than 60 ingeniously integrated railroad tracks lead trains upstate and to Connecticut via Metro-North Commuter Rail. The subway connects here as well. The Municipal Art Society (457 Madison Ave., between 50th and 51st Sts. 212/935-3960. www.mas.org) leads architectural tours of the terminal that begin here on Wednesday at 12:30. Reservations are required and a $10 donation is suggested.

Subway: 4, 5, 6, 7, S to 42nd St./Grand Central

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 12/14/08
Another of New York's architectural musts, a gorgeous building inside and out. Often crowded, as it's a major working transportation hub, but don't let that deter you.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Experience: 5.0 Ease: 5.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 5.0

Reviewed by YankeesFan from South Carolina on 7/17/08
We have traveled all over the world and love the subway / metro for exploring!

Member Rating: 4.8
Ratings details: Experience: 5.0 Ease: 4.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 5.0

Reviewed by spaniard from Virginia on 5/15/07
Without a doubt one of the coolest things i saw in NYC. Do not miss it, it's free to go in and look at the great architecture and ceiling...