Surely one of the most beautiful functioning landmarks in modern day Gotham is Grand Central Station located in the hub of Manhattan. The exterior of the station remains as it was when it was constructed for The New York and Harlem Railroad Company back in 1903-13. It boasts sixty-seven tracks, which run on two different levels and connects a monumental flow of traffic from trains, busses and pedestrians.
The current terminal is not the first to be located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue. Magnate, Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, constructed the original back in 1863. In 1869 he commissioned architect, John Snook to “build the largest railway station in the world,” which he did. The original station featured a large glass and steel train shed. Ensuing traffic and smoke from the steam engines obscured vision in The Park Avenue Tunnel and in 1902 caused a serious accident in which 17 people were killed. Subsequent public outcry for an electrified railway system resulted in a state law forbidding steam engines in Manhattan as of 1910.
In 1903 a competition was held for the design of the new Grand Central Terminal, the construction of which lasted for ten years and cost 80 million dollars. It opened to the public officially on February 2, 1913, but it would not become a fully operational train station until 1927. The interior of the main concourse is truly something to see with its painted ceilings, arched windows and the unique marble staircase, which was designed after the former Opera building in Paris.
In 1994 the station was again re-developed, and today it is a spectacular vision, not only for its magnificent architecture but also for the grand array of shops and restaurants that adorn its interior.
Grand Central Terminal is an artistic experience. Don’t miss seeing it the very next time you visit New York!